Today was no exception. She listened to a number of singers, all of whom had obvious talent and fine instruments, and coached each of them to sing better than they had when they came to class today. She told me that the singers had all had a very busy day yesterday, beginning with her class, followed by more coaching with other members of the Tanglewood faculty, ending with a very long concert in the evening.Neither the students nor Phyllis showed any signs of wear.
There was a variety of talents on display today. Several very good sopranos, a fine mezzo, a couple of baritones, a bass and a tenor. I especially like one soprano who sang 'Deh vieni' beautifully with a technique that moved up and down her range superbly and was emotionally involved in the role.
I also like the tenor who first sang a song and then sang the first movement of Bach's 'Ich habe genug'. This last, of course, was a staple of Lorraine Hunt Lieberson who performed it many times, including a staged performance directed by Peter Sellers that won ecstatic reviews from critics and has been superbly recorded with Craig Smith and the Emmanuel Music Orchestra. This young man is very promising but still has a few things to learn about singing Bach. But then, who doesn't? He has a fine, easy, tenor voice. I hope that he will take the time to listen to Lorraine's recording of the cantata.
Phyllis has been a dear friend for many years. We get together from time to time and talk about- what else?
Singers and singing.
I wish her a long life and happy classes.
