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Review
This is one of the best (if not the best) books to be written about singing in recent times. Hemsley talks so much common sense, touches on so many truths about singers, singing and performance, and writes it all in such well-proportioned, unencumbered prose that active singers and aspiring students alike can and should benefit from reading his many wise and enlightening words. The public who attend opera and song recitals would also profit from reading the volume ... With so much wisdom imparted it is no wonder Janet Baker writes in praise of 'the extraordinary wisdom and truth' within the book's pages. (Alan Blyth, Opera )
I couldn't put it down. Hemsley treats the subject seriously; everyone who is genuinely serious about singing, teacher, pupil, or listener, will find, as I did, extraordinary wisdom and truth within its pages ... His ideas should have far-reaching influence on the teaching of singing and the criteria used for accepting pupils into a vastly over-crowded profession' (Dame Janet Baker )
I couldn't put it down. Hemsley treats the subject seriously; everyone who is genuinely serious about singing, teacher, pupil, or listener, will find, as I did, extraordinary wisdom and truth within its pages ... His ideas should have far-reaching influence on the teaching of singing and the criteria used for accepting pupils into a vastly over-crowded profession' (Dame Janet Baker )
Dame Janet Baker
"I couldn't put it down. Hemsley treats the subject seriously; everyone who is genuinely serious about singing, teacher, pupil, or listener, will find, as I did, extraordinary wisdom and truth within its pages ... His ideas should have far-reaching influence on the teaching of singing and the criteria used for accepting pupils into a vastly over-crowded profession"
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First Sentence
In 1872 Charles Darwin published an interesting and rather neglected book, The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
In 1872 Charles Darwin published an interesting and rather neglected book, The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals. Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is an excellent book for beginning students of voice, as well as for more experienced singers.
After a review of basic voice mechanics, e.g. attack, breath control, vibrato, and falsetto, the author makes his own unique and interesting contribution to the art of singing.
He talks about using the power of imagination, through imagery, to produce the most beautiful and meaningful music.
The book is well written, and easy to read and understand. I found it to be extremely insightful, and very helpful in the course of my own vocal studies. I recommend it to anyone who sings, either professionally or as a hobby.
After a review of basic voice mechanics, e.g. attack, breath control, vibrato, and falsetto, the author makes his own unique and interesting contribution to the art of singing.
He talks about using the power of imagination, through imagery, to produce the most beautiful and meaningful music.
The book is well written, and easy to read and understand. I found it to be extremely insightful, and very helpful in the course of my own vocal studies. I recommend it to anyone who sings, either professionally or as a hobby.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
3 reviews
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
An Excellent Book for Vocalists to Read!
5 May 2000
Format:Paperback
Singing and Imagination: A Human Approach...by Thomas Hemsley is an excellent book for beginning students of voice, as well as for more experienced singers. After a review of basic voice mechanics, like attack, breath control, vibrato, and falsetto, the author makes his own unique and intersting contributions to the art of singing. He talks about using the powers of your imagination, through imagery, to produce the most beautiful and meaningful music. The book is well written, and is easy to read and understand. I found it to be extremely insightful, and very helpful in the course of my own vocal studies. I recommend it to anyone who sings, either professionally or as a hobby.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Most useful voice training book I've ever read
24 April 2008
Format:Paperback
This is the most useful book I've ever read on the art and craft of singing, and recommend it highly to professionals and beginners alike. In a different approach to how we're usually taught, Hemsley argues that imagination and focus should be the most important aspects of vocal training. In doing so, he revisits all aspects of voice training, from breathing and "support" (a term he loathes) to colouring and performance, offering alternatives using one's imagination for each.
Reminiscent of Sergius Kagen's "On Singing", Hemsley emphasises preparation of the text and Knowing Thy Score prior to even thinking about singing. Singing ought to start with an urgent impulse to share with the audience a story, which can only be brought about when one has brought the character, music and text to life in one's own head. Again like Kagen, Hemsley spends no time on anatomy or physics, arguing that this can even be detrimental in creating an artist.
A particularly interesting aid is the use of tessitura (which in this case is defined by Hemsley as a single note around which the others are centred). Keeping this note in mind throughout the piece should ensure accuracy of pitch, and better legato.
Overall, Hemsley provides a coherent and common sense framework for a meaningful performance."Testing" his suggestions one by one I found a distinct improvement in my technique and, more importantly, greater enjoyment of the music.
Reminiscent of Sergius Kagen's "On Singing", Hemsley emphasises preparation of the text and Knowing Thy Score prior to even thinking about singing. Singing ought to start with an urgent impulse to share with the audience a story, which can only be brought about when one has brought the character, music and text to life in one's own head. Again like Kagen, Hemsley spends no time on anatomy or physics, arguing that this can even be detrimental in creating an artist.
A particularly interesting aid is the use of tessitura (which in this case is defined by Hemsley as a single note around which the others are centred). Keeping this note in mind throughout the piece should ensure accuracy of pitch, and better legato.
Overall, Hemsley provides a coherent and common sense framework for a meaningful performance."Testing" his suggestions one by one I found a distinct improvement in my technique and, more importantly, greater enjoyment of the music.
0 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Oh Dear!
19 Aug 2010
Format:Paperback
ANY author on the subject of singing who disregards support and physiological understanding and technique gets a major thumbs down from me!
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