Breaking the law

I think that it is probably illegal to publish two blogs in one day- but here goes anyway.

After this weekend's judging in Syracuse, it occurs to me that some strange training is going on in colleges and conservatories when it comes to the high voice of sopranos. We heard a number of very good singers at the 37th Annual Competition for Singers, sponsored by the Civic Morning Musicals, including some very promising sopranos. But an interesting syndrome is making itself apparent in regards the high range of the soprano voice.

Almost without exception, all of the sopranos I listened to, ranging from age 17-29, had a top that would shatter glass. Then, when they went into the middle or low part of the voice, there was no one home. 

It's called 'Focusing the voice!'

I would write on their critical sheet 'You must organize your voice.' I hope that they, and their teachers, know what that means.

If anyone has a good explanation about this, my email address is roodhill@verizon.net. Explain it to me, please.

Whatever happened to messa di voce?

(The picture is of myself having breakfast at the rooftop restaurant of the Hotel Danieli on the Grand Canal in Venice this summer. Eat your hearts out!!)