Vocalist.org archive


From:  Ian Belsey <Idbelsey@y...>
Date:  Sat Aug 5, 2000  2:47 am
Subject:  Re: [vocalist-temporary] "Honest" singers


O dear!

Whenever I read such a post re. acting/singing, it
always makes me nervous, and yes, you guessed it,
nervous, here we go!

Now then, here we go! Please bare in mind. One of the
reasons Maria Callas' voice was shot to Hell; apart
from the fact she lost all the weight etc, is that she
believed what she was doing to be real. BIG mistake!

Dame Nellie Melba once said if you allow yourself to
become emotionally involved with the music you are
performing, you are lost!

Dame Joan Sutherland likewise: you must make the
people in the audience believe you, you yourself must
be removed, after all, you are 'acting'

Now, it goes without saying that these two divas were
probably the most technically proficient the world has
ever seen, but it is a point in fact. Do not try to
'be' let the music do it for you, and obey what the
music dictates.

I know this is skimming to an extent, but it will be
found time and time again, that bad singing (because
of artistic intention) has always been prevelent.
Aritstic, beautiful singing is generally always
lacking.

Do not become confused listers. A beautiful heartfelt
voice will move you to tears. This is wonderful.

A badly produced, loud, affected tone, may well do the
same, but at what cost?

As Lawrence Olivier once remarked to Dustin Hoffman,
who, through studying hard his part had sat in the
broom cupboard for a period of time and was looking
terrible: "My dear boy (said Olivier) you should try
acting: it's so much easier!"

Anyway, maybe glossing over a little, but it's just
harking back to precious singers, as to one's who just
get out there and get on with it!

I have spoken, and now I shall remain silent!

Best wishes,

Ian Belsey: Voice technician. Bromley, Kent, England.



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