No matter which side of the footlights you’re on, understanding Da Ponte’s ironical interweaving of myths of the classic past brings an enhanced enjoyment and depth to Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro.
It brings personal rewards and satisfaction to those who possess it. It gives pleasure to the listener. But sometimes the gifted are called upon to bestow something else: Comfort for the bereaved
Just as teachers, classical singers and listeners were beginning to get it right, a new specter appeared: “ Audio Enhancement,” a microphone at the opera. The author argues, passionately and reasonably, against this newest barrier between artist and auditor.
When it comes to trouser roles, girls will be better boys than boys themselves.
Think MTV invented gender-bending? Marilyn Horne was cross-dressing when RuPaul was still in Huggies. Mezzo soprano Katherine Ciesinski investigates the genesis of the “breeches part.”
From a beloved singer who has had his share of adversity comes optimism and sound advice on both repertoire choices and diplomacy within the opera house
A renowned pedagogue and pioneer in scientific vocal rehabilitation attempts to set down a lifetime of knowledge in one definitive book. Classical Singer evaluates the results
After nearly thirty years, a stunning new recording removes the curse that has followed this opera throughout its career on records.
Manners really do matter when it comes to the business of getting hired and rehired. Here’s a chance to brush up on the niceties large or small that we may have overlooked.
We all know what this organ does when making a tone, but you might be surprised to learn how busy it stays the rest of the time.
Don’t believe it when you hear that Stanislavsky’s techniques are detrimental to freedom in singing. Nothing could be further from the truth. The Father of Modern Acting Techniques had a strong affinity for opera, and developed some of his most effective ideas through his work with singers. He created a universally influential system that is far more complex than the scratch-and-mumble cliché that characterizes it in the popular understanding. Here is the information you need to begin making the system work for you.
Heldentenor James King enriches his listeners both when he sings and when he speaks. Here he imparts wisdom gained during an inspiring career.
From under-the-counter obscurity to international visibility, this is the story of the recording and distribution of live operatic recordings.
