Embrace the Classical Aesthetic
Authentic Singer Collection
This subject can be delicate as there are as many opinions about classical singing as there are singers, teachers, and listeners. My purpose here is to help classical singers become specific in their quest for growth and development. Until we can envision and describe our end-goal, we cannot achieve it.
We are discussing the WHAT of the classical aesthetic to gain clarity on ways to approach the HOW. To that end, let’s ponder a few questions:
What makes a skilled opera singer’s sound recognizable?
What does the classical style demand?
What technical facility is needed to serve this music?
Today in Well Canto’s Authentic Singer we explore the specific aesthetic identifiable as the ‘classical’ sound, as well as what qualities are NOT - Hint: it is not Golden Age MT, it is not Choral singing, it is not a hybrid of various styles.
For clarity, we are talking here about singers who have or are training to sing traditional opera, lied, and oratorio repertoire.
Versatility
The modern singer is encouraged to be versatile, often setting an expectation of switching back and forth between classical and musical theatre, and occasionally pop or other styles. Developing singers have not yet reached a high skill level in any single genre or style, so very few succeed by training in many styles simultaneously. It is not impossible, of course, and a singer can sing many styles and genres if they so choose. Each genre and style deserves full understanding of their traditions and history, as well as the accompanying dedicated training and time to attain authenticity.
Traditionally, a versatile singer meant one who trained extensively and daily to coordinate their instrument in order to be able to execute a vast number of vocal skills - legato, messa di voce, sostenuto, fioratura, staccati, scales, arpeggi, all manner of ornamenti, and any other skill demanded by their music. Keep in mind a classical singer’s repertoire spans centuries and contains many genres - Baroque, Classical, Bel Canto, Romantic, Verismo, Impressionism, 20th Century - and multiple styles within those categories.
You Can’t Fake It