Style in Singing

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

21400

Title

Style in Singing

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

W. E. Haslam's "Style in Singing" argues that vocal art requires a solid foundation in technique and emission before artistic expression can be achieved. This 1911 treatise explores the laws governing voice production, the value of virtuosity, and the necessity of adapting performance to the composer's original intentions while respecting evolving artistic traditions.

Summary up to 500 words

In "Style in Singing," W. E. Haslam presents a comprehensive defense of singing as a disciplined art form rather than a mere mechanical act. He argues that successful vocal performance relies on four fundamental, equally important elements: Pose (the emission of the voice), Technique, Style, and Répertoire. Haslam insists that technical mastery is the prerequisite for artistic expression; without a properly trained voice, attempts at style are premature and ultimately damaging to the instrument. He warns against the modern tendency to prioritize sentiment over skill, asserting that passion cannot compensate for technical deficiencies. Virtuosity, including agility and control over pitch, color, and intensity, remains essential even in modern repertoire, serving as the necessary medium through which emotional depth is conveyed. A significant portion of the text addresses the interpretation of classical works by composers such as Gluck, Handel, and Wagner. Haslam challenges the rigid adherence to printed scores, illustrating that composers frequently revised their own works and that performance conventions evolved over time. He details historical discrepancies in editions, such as Gluck's revisions of "Orphée" for different productions, and argues that performers must understand the context in which music was written to interpret the composer's true intentions. Drawing parallels to sculpture and painting, he emphasizes that an artist must possess the tools to materialize their concept; just as a sculptor needs skill to work with marble, a singer needs technique to breathe life into the composer's "hieroglyphics." Haslam critiques the "mania" for dragging voices out of their legitimate ranges, noting that such practices often lead to vocal damage and a loss of sonority. He advocates for a sound, judiciously graduated preparatory training that strengthens the voice for professional demands, comparing it to the training of an athlete. Furthermore, he discusses the ethical and practical questions of performing ancient music with modern instruments and orchestras, suggesting that while strict adherence to the letter of the score is ideal, practical modifications are often necessary to express the composer's meaning effectively. Ultimately, the book serves as both a practical manual for voice production and a philosophical guide, urging singers to balance respect for tradition with the demands of contemporary musical conditions to achieve true artistic greatness.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Singing
• Voice Culture