Today, I’m excited to delve into one of my favourite Mozart arias, “Durch Zartlichkeit und Schmeicheln,” sung by the charming and lively character, Blonde, from Mozart’s opera Die Entführung aus dem Serail. This piece is a delightful showcase of Blonde’s spirited personality and quick wit as she stands up for herself in a world dominated by male authority.
The aria appears in Act II of the opera, set in a Turkish palace where Blonde, an English maidservant, is held captive along with her mistress, Konstanze. When Blonde’s captor, Osmin, tries to enforce his control over her, she responds with wit and defiance, insisting that women deserve to be treated with respect and that true love cannot be forced. With its lively tempo and bright ornamentations, this aria is as much a declaration of independence as it is a playful flirtation, embodying both Blonde’s strength and her flirtatious charm.
Mozart’s music cleverly mirrors Blonde’s temperament. The delicate, cascading notes illustrate her soft yet strong approach, emphasising her cleverness and resolve. Throughout, the melody dances with lightness, representing her refusal to submit to Osmin’s bullying tactics. Singing this aria is a joy, as it allows the performer to explore a range of emotions, from playful teasing to a commanding assertion of personal agency.
It’s such a wonderful feeling to bring Blonde’s resilience and joy to life. I had the opportunity to record this aria recently during a studio session, and I’d love to share the video with you. It was such an inspiring experience to channel Blonde’s spirited energy, and I hope you enjoy watching it as much as I enjoyed performing it!
Here’s a link to the video – I would love to hear your thoughts on the interpretation and any feedback you may have. 💖
On a personal note, I’ve been busier than ever these past few months as I’ve launched myself into my role as Director of Performing Arts. Working with the students and nurturing their love for music, theatre, and dance has been an absolute joy. I feel so privileged to be able to help guide the next generation to share my passion for music and the performing arts.
Balancing this new role with my own performing commitments has been a challenging yet rewarding experience. While I’m now juggling rehearsals for my Christmas concerts with lesson planning, I’ve found that working closely with my students has enriched my own artistry, inspiring me to think in new and creative ways; I’ll be sure to share more updates with you soon!
To think I joined your blog when you were in school and now you’re guiding others! I feel privileged to know such a talented person as yourself, Charlotte.
Give George my best!
She’s so amazing, GP! 🙏🏻❤️
I so agree!
🤙🏻😊😊
Thank you John, that is very kind of you ❤️
Best wishes
Charlotte
You are welcome, Charlotte! 😊😊❤️❤️
I was thinking along those same lines GP.
She an amazing woman.
Thank you Gwen 😊.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Thank you, GP; I always appreciate your support and encouragement. George is busy teaching and performing; he has recently been to Paris performing solo and his trio has just been awarded the Tunnell Trust Award 2024, which means a concert tour in Scotland in January 2026. George and I also have a couple of Christmas time concerts to plan for.
Best wishes
Charlotte
An over-achieving couple! Outstanding!
Wow, great share and nice news ! I’m very proud of you my friend ! You’re student are very lucky to work with you !!! All the best for you and George !!!
Merci beaucoup Pascal. We have a busy term planned, and I plan to take my choir and orchestra to the Royal Albert Hall.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Wonderful. Congrats in every way Charlotte.
Thank you, Shehanne. George and I are putting together a Christmas concert so I hope to record some songs to share from one of our practice sessions.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Great interpretation of the aria 🙂 Perhaps too many notes – lol, I have read that that statement may not be true, but anyone who saw the movie “Amadeus” knows it. Anyway, I really liked it.
Glad your position of Director of Performing Arts is going well and that you are finding some balance between it and performance. It sounds like a very satisfying position for you.
Really odd. I went to YouTube so I could “Like” this and found I had already. But I was shocked by the number of views. When I went to your YouTube channel, I can’t find it! There is one that looks like it was recorded at the same time (“Neghittosi Or Voi Che Fate ?”), but I can’t find this one. Is there an issue with visibility settings? Is it marked private? Yet I can get to it using the link on this post. Weird.
Strange, but good – I just looked and this video is on your YouTube channel again! Sorry for all of the comments, but I do know you were wondering about YouTube views and likes in the past, so… 🙂
Thank you, Trent. I appreciate your messages. My YouTube channel isn’t showing views from Facebook or Instagram. For some reason, it records them all as one. I think it records views from my blog and independent visits, though, but I’m not sure. I put a couple of videos on my Vimeo channel to see if they record them, but I haven’t had time to check. I’m not sure why the video isn’t showing. It’s strange, isn’t it?
I’m pursuing a post-grad degree, taking BSL lessons plus extra violin lessons right now, so you can imagine how busy I am with lesson planning and administrative tasks.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Beautiful Blonde, Charlotte.
Gosh, I hope you are getting enough sleep with all the work you are doing
It’s funny you should say that, Don 🙂. I spent most of last weekend in bed, recovering from a cold. As you know, I love being busy. Still, my blogging has had to take a back seat because I’m pursuing a post-grad qualification, improving my violin skills, and keeping up with my British Sign Language qualifications.
Despite a hectic schedule, I’m finding real joy in each of these pursuits. The post-grad course is challenging but incredibly rewarding, opening new doors and perspectives that inspire me daily. My violin practice, though demanding, provides a soothing escape, allowing me to express emotions through music in ways words sometimes cannot.
My British Sign Language studies are not just about learning a new way to communicate; they’re about connecting again with the deaf community and understanding the world from a different angle. It’s a fulfilling journey, and every new sign I learn feels like an accomplishment. Though it can be overwhelming at times, balancing these activities brings a sense of purpose and excitement to my life. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me, and who knows, maybe I’ll even find time to get back to blogging soon!
Best wishes
Charlotte
Blessed are those you serve in your new role! Blessed are US who can enjoy both you AND Mozart!! xx
Thank you, Annette. I am truly grateful to have you in my life and to have you give me constant encouragement. I’m hoping to take my choir and orchestra to The Royal Albert Hall this term, and we will be busy preparing for the harvest festival and Christmas. I also have a couple of concerts, one solo and one with George, to prepare for this December.
I’ve lots of new studies on the go too from the next level of British Sign Language to violin and a post grad qualification that is giving me new perspectives to inspire me every day. Sadly, my blogging has had to take a back seat but who knows I’ll try to find time to get back to it during the holidays.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Wonderful video. You are so expressive when you sing.
Thank you, Timothy. It’s lovely of you to say so. That day, I had an industry agent in the session with me, which added an element of excitement. His insights were invaluable, and although the recording studio wasn’t ideal, he did offer some fresh perspectives that inspired me.
Best wishes
Charlotte
I love your singing, Charlotte! Such a beautiful voice, the photo of you is lovely, I hope you have it framed! I am so happy for you and how things are going for you, so wonderful! Be well my friend. 🙏🏻❤️😊
I don’t have many photos of myself at home, but my brother took this one of me. I loved that white coat, but daily journeys on the tube meant the back panels got very dirty. Thank you for your good wishes, John. I’ve always been busy, but I’m up on a new level right now, he he. I have a Christmas concert to plan for and practice; it’s very handy to have George at home to sing with.
Best wishes
Charlotte
🤙🏻😊😊❤️❤️
It’s always a pleasure to see and hear your performances on video. Thanks for posting, Charlotte!
Thank you for listening and your lovely message, Herman.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Brava, Charlotte – your work is critical to the “paying forward” of music history in combination with the absolute perfection of a musical note. Onward.
Thank you, Sheila; I appreciate you motivating me. I spent most of the summer lesson planning and refreshing my knowledge of composing music, improving my violin practice, and preparing for a post-grad degree, which started last month. I have loved composing some film music and teaching this to my older students. As I said to Don above, balancing lots of activities always brings me a sense of purpose and excitement. However, my blogging has had to take a back seat because I can’t do it on the tube (underground), sadly, which is the only time I have spare he he.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Our priorities change as new opportunities present themselves. You’ve worked very hard. You’ll stay the course! We are happy to hear when you have time to give updates…
Lovely Charlotte. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, John; I’ve had my Mozart and Handel books out, refreshing some arias I’ve not sung for a few years.
Best wishes
Charlotte
😁
I had not heard this before; I certainly enjoyed your own playful brilliance, especially the cheeky little smile at the end
Thank you, Derrick. I hope that you are well. I’m sorry to not be in touch at the moment; I’ve taken on a lot, and sadly, my blog has had to take a backseat for a little while. I truly miss writing and connecting with everyone who shares this journey with me. I hope to get back on track soon and return with some fresh stories and insights.
Best wishes
Charlotte
You do well to keep in touch at all, Charlotte
Beautiful piece!
Thank you Layla, I appreciate you taking the time to listen.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Wonderful, Charlotte. You are my voice to Opera. As much as I like “classical” music, I’d never really “hooked up” on Opera… You’re my teacher.
Congrats on juggling all your endeavours. I’m sure your students will always remember what you gave them.
(Is it that cold in the UK already?)
Hello Brian, yes, it has gone chilly recently; we have odd sunny, warm days. Colds and flu are doing the rounds. As a child, I’d never heard operatic music; it was connecting with a graduate of the Royal Northern College of Music at High School who taught peripatetic singing lessons that I was introduced to much richer material than I’d previously been used to with pop music and music theatre. I loved the challenge of singing classically and learning the foreign languages required to develop a decent repertoire. I didn’t know anyone who worked in opera or the classical music world either so without meeting Jayne I’d never have been on this marvellous journey.
Best wishes
Charlotte
There are magical encounters aren’t there? And it is a marvelous journey you are sharing with us. 🙏🏻
This is such a beautiful video. Your voice, of course, is one of angels, but I also enjoy your emotions as you perform. And to see you evolve from someone starting out in this career to someone now moving into greater roles of creativity is something special. My best to you, George, and your family; they must be very proud!
What a lovely message to read, Randall. Thank you. This summer I didn’t undertake any performance work as I devoted myself to training, violin, composing and preparing for another post-grad degree to be undertaken whilst working. I hope they are proud, each twist and turn in the road has brought me closer to my goals. Balancing all these pursuits has been challenging but incredibly rewarding. I’m grateful for the chance to immerse myself in the music I love and to continue growing both personally and professionally.
I look forward to applying everything I’ve learned and to embrace the opportunities that come my way. Thank you again for your kind words, they mean a lot and serve as a wonder reminder of the support that surrounds me here.
Best wishes
Charlotte
This is a real treat today, Charlotte. I come here and get to hear you sing 2 arias.
You are wonderful. Thank you to the moon, for sharing your performances.
It’s fantastic to hear that being Director of Performing Arts is working out, enriching your life.
I’m sure the Christmas performances will be brilliant! Will you be performing with George?
Best to you and yours!
❦❦❦🌹
Dear Charlotte,
I came to say I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and to wish you all the best in the New Year.
OMG! 2025!
Happy New Year!
All the best to you and yours.
🕊🤍
Thank you dearest Resa, I’m missing you all but I have so much reading and research to do whilst working full time I’m spinning as usual.
Best wishes to you always,
Charlotte xx
No worries, dear Charlotte!
I know you are busy, and I am easy peasy.
I hope all is going well, and you are enjoying your work.
I joyfully accept your best wishes, and send you mine!
xoxo