I think you make some good points about the "ills of societal perception",
Lea Ann, however, it is never good to be more than a few pounds overweight.
Not only because of all those pathetic, judgemental eyes but more
importantly for purposes of maintaining good health throughout one's life.
Different body types carry weight differently, some can carry a few extra
pounds and still look great. But, bottom line is that TOO much weight is
just simply too much weight. Everyone should aim towards reaching and
maintaining what is really and truly healthy for them. And aim for a
modicum of fitness, besides. That is real beauty.
PJ.
-----Original Message-----
From: Lea Ann [mailto:LeaAnn@k...]
Sent: Saturday, January 19, 2002 8:37 AM
To: vocalist-temporary@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [vocalist] image
So, let's say I'm interested in becoming a high profile artist. Should I
spend lots of time and money on my image? I've already got a good start,
thanks to our good Maker, so should I capitalize on that and try to break
through with my looks? Or should I scorn that philosophy and strive
solely
to be the best singer possible? Would impresarios and directors look down
upon me if I come across as a screen siren?
Just wanting to hear some opinions....
Lauren
Well, concerning opera especially (pop music has been this way since the
advent of videos) we must consider that opera is still subject to the same
crazed standards that the rest of the world faces, everyone wants to be
really thin and gorgeous. This might be cheesy but there were so many
behind the scenes images and quotes in it... in the book "Back stage with
Cecilia Bartoli" you can find many instances of singers faced with image
concerns. Deborah Voigt talks about being backstage with Solti (legendary
maestro) and she says that they were discussing several projects and
suddenly he took her by the shoulders and looked in her eyes and said "Why
are you so fat? You are not meant to be fat, I can tell by looking at you."
Voigt goes on to say that she knew her weight kept her out of many opera
houses and kept her in certain roles. And think about Eaglan! Seeing her
onstage as Turandot doesn't seem a little unbelievable? And mind you I am a
fat girl and even I raise my eyebrows... was it a critic that said, they
(she and Pavarotti) looked like two dumplings in love. We live in a visual
world, and unfortunately people are not always kind and image does
matter...actually making money matters and houses are interested in making
money, so they will always be interested in casting attractive singers.
Bartoli's manager says he is always concerned with her weight. Even non fat
singers like Patricia Racette, who in my opinion isn't gorgeous takes an
active interest in thing like publicity stills...some in gowns some in
motorcycle jackets so she can be sure to appeal to as many aspects of her
public as possible The opera world is still a part of the world. Having a
beautiful face and a hot body will always get you "in" before someone with
the same talent but fewer physical attributes.
Which makes me think about 70's rock and roll, which I happen to LOVE.
Steely Dan, AC/DC etc...before the advent of video a rock and roll band
didn't have to be gorgeous to sell albums. We listened to music (keyword =
listened) and now EVERYONE is gorgeous, you MUST be beautiful to sell
records. Bands like Bad Company would never have a chance now. The last
ugly genre to fall prey to the image machine was country music...even 10
years ago there were still a few country singers without big fake boobs or a
tube sock stuffed in their wranglers...not so now.
Blech it's all sickening...and I am saying this as a fat woman who wants
to sing. My brand new voice teacher (who I will see today) told me that at
her last summer opera workshop it was all about who was more attractive and
who was willing to do what to get what they wanted. It's not enough anymore
just to be cut throat NOW you have to be cut throat weighing 90 pounds with
big fake boobs.
As I get more and more serious about singing I know I will have to lose
weight to get roles...even in the local civic opera. Thankfully I was
blessed with that Clichéd "pretty face" At least that's one thing I won't
have to try and fix.
Lea Ann
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