October 2010

Dame Emma

Emma Kirkby discovered her passion for early music in the 1970s and has been introducing audiences worldwide to the music ever since. With over 100 recordings to her name and a recipient of the Order of the British Empire in 2000, Dame Emma is recognized as a consummate artist and veritable expert on early music. Read how this remarkable woman who began as an English major and school teacher and never dreamed of being a singer found her life’s path as she talks about singing, Baroque and Renaissance instruments, and the joy of making music in this Classical Singer exclusive.

The Teacher’s Corner : Demythologizing Vocal Technique

Teacher Brad Jenks opines on the dangers of kneeling before the altar of technique and how teachers can best nurture their students in and out of the studio by keeping it simple.

Read Up! : A Practical Guide for Singers, Teachers, and Choral Conductors

Read up about a recent book on vocal technique that includes more than just a philosophical discussion of singing principles. With a myriad of vocalises and group exercises that correspond to each concept, this book becomes a practical tool for the private studio and classroom alike.

The $50 Week : Boston on a Budget

Boston has long been seen as the early music center of North America. Whether traveling to Beantown as singer or tourist, get great tips on how to save a dime on everything from food to hotels to musical performances, many featuring early music tunes.

Improvised Leadership : Nicholas McGegan and What It Takes to sing Baroque Opera

Baroque opera expert Nicholas McGegan shares what he looks for in singers he hires, how he approaches writing cadenzas, and what type of voice he wants for both Handel and Mozart operas.

Counter Top : Philippe Jaroussky

A countertenor who is quickly rising to the top discusses if indeed this voice type is strictly limited to the Baroque repertoire, how he discovered the never-before-heard repertoire on his new CD, and why he thinks early music is becoming a staple at many modern opera houses.

A Traditional Innovator

Ryan Turner began singing over 13 years ago with the group he now leads. Read about this unique ensemble made up of soloists like Turner who come together each week for the Sunday Cantata Series featuring the music of Bach and discover what Turner has in store for the ensemble in his new role as artistic director.

From the Editor : When Old Meets New

While an undergrad my theory teacher told our class about a revolutionary new choral and orchestral composition he had heard that had, in his words, changed his life. This piece

Why I Sing : Sandra Marante

To share your comments about CS or your story of why you sing e-mail editorial@classicalsinger.com.

Feedback

To share your comments about CS or your story of why you sing e-mail editorial@classicalsinger.com.

Bulletin Board : News, Tidbits, Musings and More

Text Messaging Garners Small Donations for L.A. Philharmonic Advertisements on the jumbo-screen at the Hollywood Bowl encourage viewers to donate $5 or $10 to the Los Angeles Philharmonic via text

When Early Opera Meets the Modern Stage : What Singers Can Expect in the Approach to Performing Period Works

The Baroque era gave birth to opera—maybe not quite as we know it today, but the art form nonetheless. So what happens when modern-day opera companies mount early opera? What approach do modern directors take and what do they look for in singers?

Continuo Your Education

Is the pun of this title lost on you? Are you wondering just what is continuo and why should it be important to you? Then it’s high time to continuo your education. Read about the musical evolution of continuo and how learning this skill can help free you as a musician, tap into your creativity, and improve your collaborative skills.

Festival It Up Early Music Style

With so many early music festivals dotting the land, how can you begin to know which one is right for you? As always, research, research, research. And this sampling of several first-rate festivals is the perfect jumping-off point to begin your search.

Keeping It Interesting

Composer vocalist M Ryan Taylor asks early music specialists, “With so much repeated text in Baroque and early music arias, how do you keep your characterization fresh?”

Brave New-Old World

Under new management, early music continues to flourish at the Miller Theatre in New York City.

A Unique Spirit of Joy : The Legacy of Latin American Baroque Music

Read about an emerging new genre within early music and discover resources that can help you access, study, perform, and record this exciting new repertoire.