Dear Editor: RE: Criticism of the Column Ask Erda. I remember my reaction to the first appearance. I thought the title clever and amusing and felt Ms. Sadler had some chutzpah to compare herself to the Earth Mother in wisdom! I was pleased to find over the years that her insights, analyses, and advice really are well thought out, considered, and wise.
—Donna Wolaksy, Bogota, N.J.
Dear Editor: I was delighted to see the November cover story on the incomparable Vivica Genaux, but was dismayed at the writer’s repeated emphasis throughout the story on her physical appearance. How is this relevant to her talents as a performer? It is hard to imagine such attention being paid to a male singer’s appearance in a feature story. Further, I thought the writer’s comment to Ms. Genaux, “You are incredibly attractive woman onstage…and this can inspire some audiences in an extra-musical way,” was inappropriate and demeaning to her as an artist. In the future, I hope your publication will pay all singers the due respect of focusing on their musical skills and artistry rather than on how physically attractive the writer perceives them to be.
—Lauren Porsch, New York, N.Y.
Dear Editor: I would like it if you had more articles dealing with crossover singing and how to accomplish this without damaging the “classical” voice.
[Editor’s Note: Watch for an upcoming article featuring a conversation on healthy crossover singing with classically trained Broadway stars Brent Barrett and Lisa Vroman.]
Errata
Elisabeth Schwarzkopf’s name was misspelled in “Remembering the Silvery Tones of Elisabeth Schwarzkopf” (October 2006). Classical Singer regrets this error.
