Christine Baranski Finds Her Voice in Narration, From Carnegie Hall to Christmas Classics
Christine Baranski, a celebrated actress known for her work on stage and screen, has discovered a new passion: narration. This journey began unexpectedly in 2023, when she stepped in to narrate beethoven’s “Egmont” at Carnegie Hall, replacing Liev Schreiber alongside the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra. It was an experience that resonated deeply.
“I could do this the rest of my career,” she reflected, envisioning a future filled with concert halls and the energy of live music. This initial foray sparked a desire to refine her skills and explore the nuances of spoken word performance.
Honing a Classic Voice
To prepare for future narration roles, Baranski sought guidance from dialect coach Howard Samuelsohn. She diligently practiced on zoom, aiming for a distinctly 19th-century vocal quality while avoiding predictable interpretations. This preparation proved surprisingly relevant to a current project.
“I said this is a good warm up for Aunt Agnes as it’s that kind of speech we were taught at Juilliard,” Baranski explained, referencing lessons from the esteemed Edith Skinner decades prior. Mastering vocal modulation – varying rhythms, employing staccato and legato – became key.
Her current role, narrating a rendition of A Christmas Carol, demands a specific ethereal quality. “I want the voice of the Ghost of Christmas past to be disembodied… ethereal,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of creating a truly otherworldly presence.
A Collaborative performance
Interestingly, Baranski didn’t feel compelled to participate in the conventional carol singing during rehearsals. Instead, she embraced a dynamic exchange with the chorus.
“We take from each other,” she noted. “When the chorus first heard my version of it, I think it subtly influenced the feeling of it and I take from the mood of the carol and bring it into my interpretation.”
This collaborative spirit was echoed by those involved. “It’s a really exciting back-and-forth actually,” remarked a colleague. “It’s not really totally clear who’s driving the bus at times.”
A Vision for the Future
Baranski envisions a long life for this unique A Christmas Carol project. She hopes to evolve it into an annual event, ideally performed and filmed at the Morgan Library & Museum.
“We want to film this someday in the Morgan,” she said. “Make this a yearly event at the Morgan,because here’s the manuscript and people. It’s just one of those things like Handel’s Messiah' or The Nutcracker.'”
Beyond the Stage: A Grandmother’s Perspective
The project holds a personal meaning for Baranski, who plans to gift the CD to her four grandsons, ranging in age from two to twelve. It’s a chance to share her work with the next generation, though their reaction might surprise you.
She previously portrayed Martha May Whovier in the 2000 film Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas. “They’re curiously not interested in my even being Martha May in `The Grinch’,” Baranski confessed with a smile.
Ultimately, she cherishes her role as simply “Grandma.” “I just want to be their grandma – do you know what I mean – and not somebody?” she asked, revealing a heartwarming desire to connect with her family on a purely personal level. This desire underscores a groundedness that, combined with her talent, makes her a truly captivating performer.