The
Inner Voice,
The Making of a Singer
I received a copy of this book as a gift for Christmas
from one of my private voice students. It was a captivating
book and the description I found on the inside fly cover
of the book is not exaggerated. “One of the most
celebrated talents on today’s music scene, soprano
Renee Fleming brings a consummately beautiful voice,
striking interpretive talents, and compelling artistry
to bear on performances that have captivated audiences
in opera houses and recital halls throughout the world.
In The Inner Voice–a book that is the story of
her artistic development and the “autobiography”
of her voice–this great performer offers a unique
and privileged look at the making of a singer.
The Inner Voice traces Renee Fleming’s path to
maturity and success as an artist, from her youth as
the child of two singing teachers through her years
at Julliard, from her struggles to establish her career
to her international success. Her articulate and candid
book is the most revelatory examination yet of a performing
life, of the crucial roles played by a solid education
and supportive mentors, of the importance of discipline
and a well established technique, of confronting the
challenges of stress and self doubt, of the myriad details
that must be mastered in creating a vivid operatic character
or interpreting a song, of the practical necessity of
having a firm understanding of how business functions,
and of learning to balance personal and professional
fulfilment.”
Renee Fleming gave personal insights about the various
stages of her vocal development and the epiphanies she
experienced to enable her to continue to improve. These
moments did not come from earthshaking events but from
moments when that “inner voice” of understanding
illumined the next area of improvement.
I found the book affirming as a “voice teacher/vocal
coach” who is constantly telling students that
vocal change and vocal growth is a slow process and
sometimes the biggest changes come from an attitude
adjustment by the singer. Renee shared her journey toward
the revelation that technical perfection often produces
a sterile performance. NO matter what your level of
accomplishment, while working continuously to improve
technique, it is necessary to learn to share your joy
and develop your skills as a performer.
I hope that you will pick up a copy of this fine book
(we don’t get a kick back.) You may not find the
same things in it that I found. Your “take”
on it will be based on your own experience and the needs
expressed by your “inner voice.” That doesn’t
make one wrong and the other right. It makes us different.
The same is true for singers–every voice is unique
and each singer’s experiences help her develop
a personal style and a unique quality. That development
is enhanced by the time the singer spends exploring
vocally and listening to the messages of her own “inner
voice.”
By:
Darlene Rogers
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