English, French, German and Italian Techniques of Singing: A Study in National Tonal Preferences and How They Relate to Functional Efficiency

After discussing the multiplicity of tonal ideals and areas of pedagogical controversy in the introduction, this very thorough study devotes individual chapters to the attack, the mechanics of breath management, specific breath management techniques of each school, techniques of vowel formation in singing, techniques of resonance in singing, laryngeal positioning, vibrato and national tendencies, vocal registration and national attitudes, registration events and voice categorization, vowel modification, the soprano voice, the mezzo and contralto voices, the tenor voice, the baritone and bass voices, the role of language in national pedagogies, national temperament and vocal ideals, international tonal ideals, and the North American singer and the nation schools. The book is rounded out with an extensive bibliography and index and 14 anatomical plates. This volume is a must-have resource for every voice teacher and every serious singer.