Once again, noted tenor, teacher, researcher, and operatic director,
Joseph Talia, delves deep into the world of singing with this
exploration of the voice. Having addressed at length persistent issues
of voice production in his recent book History of Vocal Pedagogy, he now
turns his mind to the benefits of vocal science. He introduces a
cavalcade of colourful historical characters whose diligent work and
unrelenting pursuit of excellence have made a tremendous and enduring
contribution to the art of singing, promoting a more direct, objective
and secure route towards the goal of bringing elite singers and artists
to fruition. He analyses and clarifies the knowledge accruing from the
early vocal scientists, including that from Ferrein, Müller, García,
Mandl, Helmholtz, and having elaborated on its true value, he gives it
perspective, and moves on to the contemporary scientists. Among the most
notable of these modern scientists and pedagogues we find such modern
luminaries as van den Berg, Bouhuys, Fant, Hixon, Rothenberg, Rubin,
Appelman, Vennard, Miller, Sundberg, Titze and many others whom we
encounter in the pages of this book. Talia proclaims the value of
physiologic and scientific work and is passionate about its
possibilities, but is ultimately persuaded that in order to produce
elite singers, this knowledge must be combined with intuition, and
passion, balanced with a penetrating intellect and an unrelenting
pursuit of greatness. Mediocrity in art, will never do. Vocal Science
for Elite Singers is a vital resource for voice teachers, vocal
researchers, serious vocal students, and vocal connoisseurs.
