From: Craig Tompkins
To: vocalist <vocalist>
Subject: helpful books for choir singers
Send reply to: VOCALIST <vocalist>

I would welcome a list of books on the subject of singing in general
and choir singing in particular,whether technical , factual or humorous
. (French or English language) Merci

Technical books on (solo) singing are plentiful, however choral singing
doesn't receive the same attention. Richard Miller's book On The Art of
Singing, has several essays that pertain to choirs and choral singing.
Johann Sundberg's The Science of the Singing Voice has a chapter devoted
to The Choral Voice. You might also find information in books
specifically for choral conductors. Some voice teachers are of the
opinion that singing in a choir is detrimental to the development of the
voice, others, myself included, think that singing in a good choir can
be extremely beneficial in the development of the musicians ear, sight
reading skills, ensemble skills, language skills and vocal skills. For
many singers, choral music is their first and often only exposure to
modern/avant-garde/graphically notated music!
Humorous books on music are another story. I highly recommend any of
the books by David Barber: If It Ain't Baroque, Tenors, Tantrums and
Trills, A Musicians Dictionary, and Bach, Beethoven and the Boys are
just some of his titles. The are generally available in any store that
has a good music section (here in Canada anyway). I would also
recommend the Hoffnung Series of books which have been reprinted by
Dover I believe.
Hope this helps!
Cheers,
Craig, Burnaby, BC