Mastering “One More Kiss” from Follies: A Performer’s Guide

Stephen Sondheim’s “One More Kiss” from the musical *Follies* is a hauntingly beautiful piece that demands both technical prowess and emotional depth. Its significance lies not only in its melodic richness but also in how it encapsulates themes of longing, nostalgia, and the passage of time.

For performers, mastering this song offers an opportunity to showcase versatility and connect profoundly with the audience.

Understanding what makes “One More Kiss” so compelling empowers artists to deliver performances that linger long after the final note fades away.

Analyzing the Song “One More Kiss”

“One More Kiss” is a duet that juxtaposes the voices of an older soprano and a younger soprano, creating a poignant dialogue between past and present. The song’s structure is meticulously crafted, with its lyrical content reflecting the bittersweet nature of reminiscing about lost love and opportunities. The interplay between the two voices symbolizes the passage of time and the inevitable changes it brings.

The harmonic language of the song is rich and complex, employing a mix of traditional and contemporary elements. Sondheim’s use of dissonance and resolution mirrors the emotional tension within the lyrics. The melody, while seemingly simple, is layered with subtle nuances that require careful attention to dynamics and phrasing. This complexity allows performers to explore a wide range of interpretative choices, making each rendition unique.

Lyrically, “One More Kiss” is a masterclass in economy and depth. Sondheim’s words are laden with subtext, offering performers a treasure trove of emotional cues to draw from. The repetition of the phrase “one more kiss” serves as a poignant reminder of fleeting moments and the desire to hold onto them. This repetition, coupled with the song’s melodic line, creates a haunting echo that resonates with audiences long after the performance ends.

The song’s orchestration further enhances its emotional impact. The delicate interplay between the piano and strings provides a lush backdrop that supports the vocal lines without overpowering them. This balance is crucial, as it allows the performers’ voices to shine while still conveying the song’s underlying melancholy. The orchestration also offers opportunities for subtle variations in tempo and dynamics, enabling performers to tailor their interpretation to the specific emotional arc they wish to convey.

Vocal Techniques for Performing the Song

Mastering the vocal techniques required for “One More Kiss” involves a blend of technical skill and expressive artistry. The song demands precise control over breath support, allowing for sustained phrases that ebb and flow with the music’s emotional contour. Effective breath management ensures that each phrase is delivered with clarity and intensity, maintaining the song’s lyrical integrity.

The duet nature of the piece necessitates seamless blending and balance between the two voices. Achieving this requires acute listening and adaptability from both performers. The older soprano’s voice, often richer and more textured, should complement the lighter, more agile quality of the younger soprano. This contrast must be finely tuned to avoid overshadowing one another, creating a harmonious yet distinct interaction that mirrors the song’s thematic elements.

Attention to dynamics is another crucial aspect. The song’s emotional landscape is vast, requiring performers to navigate through subtle crescendos and decrescendos. Dynamic variation enhances the storytelling, allowing moments of introspection to contrast with more impassioned declarations. This dynamic range should be approached with sensitivity, avoiding abrupt changes that could disrupt the song’s flow.

Articulation plays a pivotal role in conveying the song’s nuanced text. Clear diction ensures that the poignant lyrics are understood, while variations in articulation can add layers of meaning. For instance, softening certain consonants can evoke a sense of longing, whereas crisper articulation might underscore moments of resolve. Experimenting with these subtleties can lead to a more immersive and emotionally resonant performance.

Moreover, the interplay of vibrato and straight tone can be particularly effective in this piece. Employing a controlled vibrato can add warmth and depth to the sustained notes, while a straight tone can create a stark, haunting quality that underscores the song’s reflective nature. Mastery of these vocal colors enables performers to paint a more vivid emotional picture for the audience.

Emotional Depth and Characterization

Diving into the emotional depths of “One More Kiss” requires a performer to connect profoundly with the character’s inner world. This song is not merely sung; it is lived. To achieve this, one must delve into the backstory of the characters, exploring their histories, motivations, and the experiences that have shaped their current emotional states. Understanding these elements allows performers to bring authenticity to their portrayal, making the characters’ longing and nostalgia palpable to the audience.

Embarking on this emotional journey, performers should consider the subtle shifts in the characters’ mental landscapes throughout the song. Each line should be treated as a reflection of the characters’ evolving emotions, from wistful reminiscence to the poignant realization of time’s inexorable march. This dynamic emotional arc must be conveyed with sincerity, avoiding melodrama while still capturing the intensity of the characters’ feelings. The performers’ ability to internalize and express these shifts can transform the song from a simple duet into a powerful theatrical moment.

Body language and facial expressions are instrumental in conveying the song’s emotional nuances. A gentle touch, a wistful gaze, or a fleeting smile can speak volumes, adding layers of meaning to the lyrics. These physical expressions should be carefully calibrated to complement the vocal delivery, creating a cohesive and immersive performance. The interplay between voice and movement can make the characters’ emotions more tangible, drawing the audience deeper into their world.

The chemistry between the two performers is another vital element. Their interaction should feel natural and unforced, reflecting the complex relationship between the characters. Whether it’s a shared glance or a synchronized breath, these moments of connection can heighten the emotional resonance of the song. Rehearsing together extensively can help build this rapport, allowing the performers to respond instinctively to one another’s cues.

Staging and Choreography

Staging “One More Kiss” involves crafting a visual narrative that enhances the song’s emotional weight. The physical space should reflect the internal journey of the characters, using elements like lighting, props, and spatial dynamics to underscore the song’s themes. A dim, intimate lighting setup can evoke a sense of nostalgia and contemplation, drawing the audience into the reflective mood of the piece. The strategic use of shadows can also add a layer of mystery and depth, mirroring the complexities of the characters’ emotions.

The positioning of the performers plays a significant role in conveying their relationship and the passage of time. Placing the older character slightly apart from the younger one can symbolize the distance created by years of experience and memory. As the song progresses, subtle movements that bring them closer together or further apart can illustrate the ebb and flow of their connection. This physical choreography should be nuanced, with each gesture and shift in position reinforcing the emotional journey.

Props can be used sparingly to great effect. A single item, such as a photograph or a piece of jewelry, can serve as a tangible link to the past, adding a layer of poignancy to the performance. The handling of these objects should be deliberate and meaningful, with the performers imbuing each interaction with emotional significance. This careful attention to detail can elevate the staging, making it a powerful complement to the vocal and emotional delivery.

Advanced Interpretation Techniques

Building upon the foundational aspects of vocal and emotional preparation, advanced interpretation techniques can transform a performance of “One More Kiss” into an unforgettable experience. These techniques involve a deeper engagement with the text and music, encouraging performers to experiment with subtle variations that can add new dimensions to their rendition.

Exploring different tempos can reveal new emotional layers within the song. Slowing down certain phrases can emphasize their poignancy, while a slightly quicker pace may inject a sense of urgency or fleetingness. This flexibility in tempo should be used judiciously, ensuring it aligns with the overall emotional arc of the piece. Additionally, experimenting with rubato—where the performer takes liberties with the timing—can add a personal touch, making the performance feel more spontaneous and heartfelt.

Another technique is the use of vocal color to differentiate between the characters’ past and present experiences. For instance, a warmer, more resonant tone can evoke memories of the past, while a brighter, more focused sound might represent the present. This contrast can be further enhanced by subtle changes in vowel placement and resonance, adding depth to the portrayal. These vocal choices should be guided by a thorough understanding of the characters’ emotional journeys, ensuring they feel organic and intentional.

Integrating Feedback and Improvement

No performance reaches its full potential without the iterative process of feedback and refinement. Seeking out constructive criticism from trusted sources can provide invaluable insights into areas that may need adjustment or enhancement. This feedback loop is essential for fine-tuning both the technical and emotional aspects of the performance.

Recording rehearsals and performances can be an effective way to self-assess. Listening back allows performers to identify inconsistencies or areas where the emotional impact may not be fully realized. It also provides an opportunity to experiment with different interpretative choices and hear how they translate in practice. This self-evaluation can lead to more informed decisions about adjustments and refinements.

Working with a vocal coach or director can offer an external perspective that is crucial for growth. These professionals can provide targeted feedback on specific aspects of the performance, such as breath control, dynamics, and emotional expression. Collaborating with them can help performers unlock new interpretative possibilities and achieve a more polished and compelling rendition of “One More Kiss.”