Top 50 Best Audition Songs for Baritones

Choosing a suitable song is one of the problems for baritones when getting ready for an audition. It is fair to say that the number of songs available might not be as many as for a soprano or tenor. And they are also less likely to be as well-known as those two vocal ranges.

Having said that, finding the best audition songs for baritones is not impossible, as we shall see…

What Do You Look For?

It isn’t just a case of choosing anything. The perfect baritone audition song you choose has got to show you in your best light and highlight your strengths. So, when you turn up and perform, you are head and shoulders above the rest.

Do You Know What The Audition is For?

I am assuming that you are auditioning for a part in a musical or a musical play. This is a little presumptuous because it could be for a minor part in an opera. It could even be for a place in a performing choir.

If it is the opera or the choir, then maybe your choices may be a little different from what I include here. Although, even for those two eventualities, there are a couple of options included. I am assuming then that the audition is for a musical or a musical play.

What Will They Look For In Your Performance?

I have conducted numerous auditions for musicals, and there are some guidelines you can follow to give yourself the best chance. However, some things may be out of your control.

One of these is how those auditioning, and in particular, the casting director, see the part. You can sing well and even act the part a little. But, there is that indefinable something that you need to offer. They can see that, but you can’t. 

You Cannot Influence That

They will want to see if you fit their idea of what the part needs. Unfortunately, you are unlikely to be able to influence that. 

They will have a picture of what they are looking for. And, possibly before you’ve even started to sing will decide whether they can see you in the part. But, there are a few things you can do to help your cause:

• Dress well and appropriately.
• Smile when you enter and offer a greeting, and thank them for their time.
• Choose a good song that has some emotion or fun in it, depending on the part.
• Make sure the song is within your ‘comfort zone’; in other words, you don’t have to strain to sing.
• Choose a song you enjoy singing.
• Demonstrate some acting skills with the singing but don’t overdo it.
• Let your personality show.

One Final Thing

Always prepare at least two, but preferably three songs to the best you can get them. There is a reason for this.

Firstly, you may be placed on a shortlist at the end of the audition. They might be undecided about who to choose and ask those on the list to stay behind and sing again. They will possibly want to hear you sing a different song. 

That is why you need at least two…

What happens if someone before you sings the song that you have prepared? Are you going to go out and do the same song? Maybe not a good idea. So, you may need three; all practiced to a good standard.

Make sure you have prepared as well as you can be. And that is the keyword in all of this. Prepared. Make sure you are. So, what are some of the best audition songs for baritones you can choose? Let’s give you a few ideas, starting with…

Top 50 Best Audition Songs for Baritones

1

I, Don Quixote from Man of La Mancha

This is a musical originally inspired by Miguel De Cervantes and his novel from the 17th century, “Don Quixote.” That work was, in turn, the inspiration for a non-musical play for TV in 1959 written by Dale Wasserman. 

It was from that non-musical play that the musical, The Man of La Mancha was created. If the arrival at the point of the Broadway musical is confusing and convoluted, so is the way it was perceived. 

The story of Don Quixote involves a man waiting to be interviewed by the ‘Spanish Inquisition.’ Not the Monty Python version but the real one. The musical was often taken as a life story, but it wasn’t.

A Light-Hearted Song

Whilst the song “The Impossible Dream” came from this musical, it also had a lighthearted side with this particular audition song for baritones. It feels a little bit like a ballad to sing, but the tempo keeps it moving at a decent pace.

This song does allow you a bit of freedom to impose your personality on the piece. However, to sing it well, you do need to have a strong baritone voice at the lower end. Almost at the top end of the bass range in many ways.

2

Put on a Happy Face from Bye Bye Birdie

This is a song that is full of fun and generates, as the title suggests, a ‘happy’ feeling. But, don’t overlook that it is a well-crafted song by Charles Strouse and Lee Adams. There are some interesting inferences in this musical that was first performed in 1960. 

It is set in 1958, and it is thought that the conscription of Elvis Presley into the army in 1957 may have influenced it. There are some ‘half-hidden’ references to the time. The lead character ‘Conrad Birdie’ is a little play on Conway Twitty, who was an early rock n roller.

The way the song is constructed puts you in mind of a 1940s song or even earlier, rather than the 60s. It is a great baritone song for auditions to perform if you can manage a lighthearted approach and have a little twinkle and a wink in your eye.

3

Luck Be A Lady from Guys and Dolls

Let’s stay with a song that everybody knows with this show-stopper from Guys and Dolls. Composed by Frank Loesser, it is an uptempo song with plenty of pace and the potential for some personality input.

You will need to have a strong lower end to your baritone range because there are some important lower notes. In many ways, this would be a popular baritone song for an audition.

It has been recorded by a range of artists. Including, of course, Sinatra, for whom it became a well-known song in his act. He was in the 1955 film “Guys and Dolls,” but it was Marlon Brando who sang it.

4

If I Can’t Love Her from Beauty and the Beast

One of the more successful musicals of recent years. This is a song that was written by Alan Menken and Tim Rice. The song was specially written and included in the 1994 musical. This was because, in the 1991 film, the ’Beast’ is limited in his vocal contribution.

It is a powerful song sung after he has frightened Belle away from the castle. The song details a story of how much he needs love yet seems to have lost it. It is almost operatic in its styling and therefore needs a strong voice.

A Chance To Act

It also provides an opportunity for those auditioning to offer a bit of character reenactment. But, as I said earlier, don’t overdo it. This is an emotional song, and they will be pleased you can create the feeling of the song in how you perform it.

A good song from a popular musical and certainly one that allows you to show off your voice and creativity. It may be a popular choice, though, among others who are attending.

5

Quest for Camelot from Camelot

Camelot is one of the few stories that create a mystique that is unsurpassed. Legend has it that Camelot was the seat of King Arthur. 

The story has it that he led his army, including his knights, against the Saxon invaders in the 5th or 6th century. A lot of the story is mythical, of course. But, if you have ever been to Tintagel in Cornwall in the UK, you will know why there is some truth in the stories. 

History aside, the story made a great musical… 

Of course, the story portrayed by Hollywood in the film bears little relation to the truth. Most of what Hollywood ‘manufactures’ doesn’t, we accept that. Their job is to entertain, not educate us. But, it created an opportunity to elaborate on a good story with some great music.

Lerner and Loewe created great songs, and this is one. Simple yet very effective, it sounds like it might be hard to sing, but it is a bit easier than that. Those auditioning you will know that, but you can still deliver an effective performance.

The range is not excessive, and it fits comfortably within a baritone range without the need for any strain. Certainly, one to consider as one of the best audition songs for baritones.

6

We Kiss In The Shadow from The King and I  

Just mention the names Rodgers and Hammerstein, and you know it is going to be good. Possibly the best writers for musicals there have been, in my opinion. They sit at the apex of a trio that includes Bernstein and Sondheim, and Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber.

This is a very emotional song from this 1951 musical where ‘Tuptim’ and ‘Lun Tha’ profess their deepest feelings for each other. Despite knowing that if the King finds out, there is going to be trouble.

An Emotional Performance

Once again, the opportunity to deliver a heartfelt performance. It is a song that requires careful handling but will have a big impact.

Taken from one of the great musicals of all time, be careful there is not a Thai on the auditioning panel. It was banned in 1951 and still is. They seem to think that it shows the Thai Royal Family in a bad way. History is history, though, isn’t it?

7

There’s Me from Starlight Express 

I was fortunate enough to see this musical when it opened in London in 1984. Written by Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber and British TV personality Richard Stilgoe it was more than innovative.

I came out not having a clue about what the storyline was about. It was hard to concentrate with roller skaters imitating trains flying past within feet of you all around the theater. I might not have got the plot, but it was an excellent show with some good music.

A catchy little tune…

It comes at a time when the skaters are taking a two-minute break from hurtling in amongst the audience. That leaves this sweet song as ‘Caboose’ tries to comfort ‘Dinah.’ 

‘Greaseball,’ her boyfriend, has left her after the first races are finished, but ‘Caboose’ tells her she is not alone. The character of ‘Caboose’ was dropped from the cast in 1992, which sounded the death knell for the song as well.

However, if you are looking for a song with a touch of emotion in it, this is an excellent audition song for baritones.

8

Empty Chairs at Empty Tables from Les Misérables 

The last song was the opportunity to include a little bit of emotion. But this one is loaded with emotion. It is taken from Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables, certainly one of the great musicals of recent years. 

This is the solo that is sung by Marius. He has joined a revolution in Paris. Students are rising up in support of the poor people in France and for what they saw as injustices. However, the revolution turns into a disaster as they cannot compete with a ruthless French military. 

The military gun down the students, and Marius himself is badly injured. After his recovery, he sits in the cafe in Paris where they had made their plans. Sitting there, he mourns the loss of his friends. The title then refers to those who were there but are now gone.

Understanding The Plot

I have included a little of the plot for anyone who may not have seen the production. If you understand the depth of emotion, its causes, and ramifications, it is going to add emphasis to your performance. That is going to help you.

A Modern Day Parallel?

The story is set in 1815 on Jean Valjean’s release from a 19-year prison sentence for stealing bread to feed a starving child. As I said, the students rose up, but the French military killed the unarmed protesters. 

In 1970. in Ohio, the Ohio National Guard also gunned down unarmed protesting students. Neil Young’s song, “Ohio,” tells the tale. Not unlike Les Miserables in some ways.

This is a powerful song with a powerful meaning. If you can get just the right amount of emotion and you can sing it well, this is a winner.

9

Being Alive from Company

10

The Impossible Dream from Man of La Mancha

11

Giants in the Sky from Into the Woods

12

Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’ from Oklahoma!

13

Gaston from Beauty and the Beast

14

If Ever I Would Leave You from Camelot

15

Maria from West Side Story

16

Corner of the Sky from Pippin

17

I Got Plenty o’ Nuttin’ from Porgy and Bess

18

It’s All Right With Me from Can-Can

19

Some Enchanted Evening from South Pacific

20

Stranger in Paradise from Kismet

21

The Music of the Night from The Phantom of the Opera

22

Fugue for Tinhorns from Guys and Dolls

23

Luck Be a Lady from Guys and Dolls

24

As Long As She Needs Me from Oliver!

25

Why God Why? from Miss Saigon

26

Bring Him Home from Les Misérables

27

Oh, What a Circus from Evita

28

The Street Where You Live from My Fair Lady

29

Soliloquy from Carousel

30

Try to Remember from The Fantasticks

31

Close Every Door from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

32

This Nearly Was Mine from South Pacific

33

Not While I’m Around from Sweeney Todd

34

This is the Moment from Jekyll & Hyde

35

Oh, Holy Night from Scrooge

36

Stars from Les Misérables

37

Ol’ Man River from Show Boat

38

You’re Nothing Without Me from City of Angels

39

If I Can’t Love Her from Beauty and the Beast

40

Soliloquy (Reprise) from Carousel

41

The Devil You Know from Side Show

42

A New Life from Jekyll & Hyde

43

I Believe from The Book of Mormon

44

Stars from Les Misérables

45

On the Street Where You Live from My Fair Lady

46

The Last Night of the World from Miss Saigon

47

Empty Chairs at Empty Tables (Reprise) from Les Misérables

48

Come Back With the Same Look in Your Eyes from Tell Me on a Sunday

49

I Am the Pirate King from The Pirates of Penzance

50

Gethsemane from Jesus Christ Superstar

Ready to Show Your Skills at an Audition?

We can help. Take a look at our comprehensive articles on the Best Audition Songs for Mezzo-Sopranos, the Best Audition Songs for Basses, the Best Audition Songs for Altos, Audition-Friendly Pop Songs for Sopranos, and Audition-Friendly Pop Songs for Baritones for more great song ideas.

Best Audition Songs for Baritones – Final Thoughts

I have tried to choose a variety of great audition songs for a baritone voice. There are some of what you might call standards, and some with a hint of comedic value. And, at the end, two that demand a ‘performance,’ not just a voice.

Let me close by going back to an original point I made. Those auditioning you, especially the casting director, will know what they are looking for. It may be that you don’t quite fit the bill for several reasons you can do nothing about. 

That is not your fault. If you don’t get this one, there will be others. And somewhere, at some time, there will be someone who will be looking for what you can offer. So, keep at it, and your opportunity will come.

Until next time, make yourself heard.