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VOICES OF SPRING

© Roslind M. Sherman

" Music can be all things to all persons. It is like a great dynamic sun in the center of the solar system which sends out it's rays of inspiration in every direction ... Music makes us feel that the heavens open and a divine voice calls. Something in our souls responds and understands." ... Leopold Stokowski.

The great Vocal Teacher Francesco Lamperti ( 1813-1892 ) believed there had been a decline in the art of singing because singers were performing onstage before being thoroughly prepared.

There does seem to be an inappropriate urge in this new millennium to exploit the young voices of today ... Example... Charlotte Church. While her albums are musically pleasing in repertoire, the extent of her vocal capabilities are greatly at risk, while exercising demanding selections such as Bizet's Habenera, Leo Delibes, The Flower Duet from the Opera, " Lakme " and Strauss' , Laughing Song.

Naturally most of her Cd's have been transposed lower than the original key to accommodate Ms. Church's mezzo-soprano range. RANGE means how high or low the voice is capable of singing. QUALITY refers to the texture and color of the voice. Charlotte Church's voice denotes a darker and heavier texture than most sopranos.

Ms. Church is one of many New Age protégés, who's vocal quality adequately lies in the simplicity of her youthful instrument. From her latest CD, ENCHANTMENT , " My Lagan Love ", " When At Night I go to Sleep "and " All The Pretty Horses " seem to appropriately fit the bill, when it comes to singing within the proper range. Infact these precious songs of tradition enhance the beauty of her vocal style.

Still, Charlotte Church does not fit into the category of Classical Singer, but then who really cares. She sells millions of Cd's and that's what counts to the masses of music lovers around the world.

I own three of her recordings, "Enchantment ", " Voice of an Angel ", and " Just Wave Hello ". They're all easy listening venues which I play while working.

If you are going to buy one of her CD's, I would suggest ," Enchantment " which lavishly compliments and reveals her best vocal production.

Most experienced teachers and singers realize the need for vocal apprenticeship in the areas of the breathing technique, vocal diction, stage culture and body discipline.

While a voice may be very pleasing to the ear, it's timbre or texture may be thin, small and less than it's potential in the early years.

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