December 2006 – All Articles

Looking for some interesting music for an upcoming recital? Consider the musical contributions of the women composers of Mozart’s time. Here’s a thorough and compelling overview of these lesser-known works, including all the information you need to get your hands on these not-to-be-missed gems.

After three intense rounds of competition among more than 200 applicants, the judges of the AudComps 2006 named 13 singers Certified Classical Singers for 2006-2007.This month, read about Christine Steyer, from the Emerging Professional Division, and Anton Belov, from the Professional Division.

Ever wondered what to do dramatically during that favorite Mozart aria? Singer and stage director, Lawrence Vincent, suggests that all you really need to do is listen to the music and Mozart has spelled it all out for you. Use the musical examples in this article to help you make new dramatic discoveries in your own Mozart arias.

Ferruccio Furlanetto, one of the greatest bassos of this generation, has made a name for himself singing Mozart. In this edition of Classical Singer, Furlanetto discusses how to sing Mozart effectively; why he is reverting back to his Verdian roots; the ties between music, voice, language, and text; and the importance of movement and emotional commitment in creating vital characterizations. He gives his take on today’s stage directors, speaks about his upcoming role as Boris Godunov in San Diego and Vienna, and offers some valuable advice to young singers.

From requiring singing in an uncomfortable range to sometimes facilitating the spread of germs, choral singing presents a series of unique challenges for the singer. Dr. Jahn addresses these issues and more, offering his sage advice to see you singing safely through this holiday season.

In part one of this two-part series, Carol Kirkpatrick introduced you to your comfort zone and how it can hold you back from creating your own opportunities. This month she walks you through the negative emotions that can surface as you begin to leave your comfort zone and offers valuable suggestions for changing the negative to the positive.

Marc Verzatt continues a busy and successful career as a sought-after stage director. Those who were present at the Classical Singer Convention ‘06 experienced firsthand his wit, charm, and humor as he accepted the Stage Director of the Year award. In addition to his wit and charm, Verzatt shares his experience and wisdom with CS readers in this Classical Singer exclusive.

CS’ favorite Met violinist returns, this time with tales of Mozart expert and Maestro Joseph Krips’s Met debut.

The holiday season is the busiest time of year for many singers. It can be either an overwhelming or a gratifying time, and often both. It raises a host of questions regarding how best to allocate vocal, spiritual, and material resources. Get inspired from three operatic examples to make the most of your holiday season.

What Singers Need to Know About Mozart's Rendition of Handel's Messiah.

The recent hit television show Dog: The Bounty Hunter has given new fame to a once obscure career, but one tenor knew the ins and outs of the bounty hunting business long before Duane “Dog” Chapman was a household name. In this Classical Singer exclusive tenor Carl Tanner shares what led him to begin a career at age 29, why singers must learn to say “no,” and his thoughts on a healthy vocal technique.

Mozart’s music, especially many of his operatic arias, is deceptively simple. For this reason, many singers choose arias that aren’t appropriate for their age or Fach. One singer traces her own path down Mozart aria lane and shares some important lessons learned on choosing the right aria.