'Tis the season for holiday concerts, and as a church musician, that means much preparation for the Advent and Christmas seasons.
The various choirs (we have three of them) at my church are preparing a combined concert. As a prelude, a member of one choir (a group with whom I have never sung) is preparing a particular tune. In years past, I have sung this tune as a solo piece. I usually perform it after the "Midnight" service on Christmas Eve, and I have even been asked to perform this piece in other venues including a wind ensemble concert. Needless to say, this particular piece is very important to me.
As much as I enjoy performing this piece, I recognize that it is not mine, and I certainly won't stand in the way of others performing it. However, the people performing this piece at this year's concert have asked me to sing it as a duet. Initially, I accepted, but now I'm having some pretty significant issues with their interpretation of the piece. I strongly disagree with the musical interpretation and stylistic choices they want to make with the piece. Also, I feel that the other singer has not put in the work to be at the same musical level in this piece as I am. It's not due to any lack of talent on her part, but she isn't accustomed to singing in a classical style (she's more of a rock/gospel singer) and she most certainly hasn't put in the time to prepare.
I've decided that if I'm going to perform this piece, I'm want to do so in the way I feel it should be performed. Because of that, I don't know if I can continue to be involved with it as a duet.
My question: Am I being a complete SS, or do my feelings here make some sense??