Catgeory: Traditional Musical Theatre - Classical
Composers: Bock and Harnick
'If I were a Richman' is a song from the film + Musical Fiddler on the roof. The song is performed in full near the beginning of the story. Although it seems like the song suggests the character Teyve is desiring great wealth, such as gold, property and servants, in context, what Teyve considers a 'rich man' is not exactly Elon Musk. For example, Teyve would consider a butcher wealthy, as a butcher will own cattle and other farm animals and will thus never go without food. He considers marrying his daughters to the butcher, despite the butcher being older than Teyve. Teyve is a dairy farmer with a large family of only daughters. This means it is difficult for his family to generate wealth as during the time of the story, only men were allowed to work and own possessions. He lives in a shanty type home, with his main possessions being cattle and a horse. Before the song is performed, Teyve is forced to cart his produce as his horse has become lame. He is also working on the Sabbath, the day of rest and worship. Although unorthodox, Teyve is deeply religious, which leads to the song being a form of prayer, or a call (a cry) to God for increased fortune. The stories context is mostly that of revolution. This is of a time before the Russian Revolution, but the country was going through changes. Philosophies such as communism and capitalism were being introduced to the public. Each of Teyve's daughters wish to marry for love, to marry who they choose, which opposes the traditional practice of dowry. This creates most of the conflict within the character of Teyve and he represents a middle ground between the old or new. He has been traditional most of his life but has started to taken on new ideologies.
The song also reveals the hipocracy of being wealthy, Such as people will treat you as wise and all knowing if you are rich, or he could also spend all day of the Sabbeth praying instead of having to work.
I choose this song because I had some familiarity with the song and is a go to shower song. I have not been always remember the verses but I comfortably recognise the shape and pattern of the song. I enjoy the belt section of the song, which allows me to use my bass. Thee song also suits a baritone voice, with some highs and some lows. There are also birdlike sounds used There are other version of this song, even modern rewrites, but I prefer this specific version as it has the belt section.
Song from Film
Backing Track
This is the backing track for the film/musical version with the belt.
Lyrics
Song Progress
I know the pattern of this song. I have been able to find the appropriate backing track which is from the film. I need to practice this more to get the timing right coming into the belt section of the song (the most important men in town will come to fawn on me......). I have the choice to sing in an actor style or more of a classical style of singing. I prefer the actor style, with the Teyve style accent as I feel it feels more natural.
Final Version
The song 'If I were a Rich Man', has been a so were song for a while, but it's a lot different when working directly from a backing track solo, and trying to produce a professional representation of the song. Although I would still need to perfect this song, I do appreciate my interpretation of this song and have been able to produce a style that would not be too out of place if performed live on stage.
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