Reddit mentions of 24 Italian Songs and Arias: Medium High Voice (Book, Vocal Collection)

Look for a simple Italian song from the 24 Italian art song and arias book. Almost everybody who goes to college learns about a half dozen songs from this book and they are great to start with.

The Schirmer 24 Italian Songs and Arias book is standard for Italian stuff but, like the title suggests, it only covers the 17th and 18th centuries.

As a (light) coloratura Soprano you will undoubtedly be working on Rossini and Donizetti roles sooner or later so if you can get some arias from roles like Rosina (from Il barbiere di Siviglia) or Norina (from Don Pasquale) that would be great. However, some of those arias are fiendishly difficult so I'd definitely consult your voice teacher first.

I would shy away from picking obscure pieces with the idea that it will impress judges; Renée Fleming mentioned in her autobiography that she, early in her career, made this mistake and she risked the judges not being able to bring any standard to her performance of a song if it was something they've never seen (they may even ask you to perform another!). On the other hand, you are right to think that choosing the overdone pieces is a bad thing, sometimes. Some songs are done a lot just because they are great for showcasing multiple strong areas of the voice in one piece, some are great for younger voices, some are just standard staples that the judges know cold (and can therefore judge you better on), and some are standard staples you are expected to know for the repertoire (a lot of Schubert is in this category). But also remember an audition is partly to show that you are a good musician, but also equally to show off your technical skill. So if you are applying as a coloratura soprano and only choose slower songs in 12/8 or only pick dramatic songs, you're not really showing how you are coloratura, are you?

Hope that helps.

Thanks for posting!

I agree with all that others have said. This song is a bit on the low side for you, which is causing you to do some of the things mentioned. Any of the higher notes in the song sound very natural in your voice, so I would encourage you to look into higher repertoire with your teacher. If you're now thinking "I don't have a teacher", then you should totally look into getting one!

I think the best single book of songs a young singer can pick up is the 24 Italian Art Songs and Arias. It's inexpensive and an incredible tool for a singer looking to improve, as each song has things to teach.

Welcome to the sub, don't be afraid to ask questions!