Singing and Imagination: A Human Approach to a Great Musical Tradition

This book is written in the belief that the essential basic principles underlying good singing are in themselves rather few, and very simple, but that their application is amazingly varied in light of the individual's needs. It is not intended as a manual of voice production, and does not concern itself with medical matters, nor directly with anatomy, physiology, and acoustics. While not belittling the value of appropriate scientific investigation, Hemsley believes that modern methods of training have gone too far in the direction of the materialistic approach; that singing in all its aspects and at all times should be guided by the imagination, the feelings, and the intuition; that we have become so pre-occupied by voice per se and the vocal function since the advent of vocal science, that we too easily forget that singing is not voice, but modification of voice - `not only a language through which we understand the emotions of others, but also a means of exciting our sympathy with such emotions.' (H. Spencer). This book can be seen as an attempt to redress the balance. Quote from reader's report by Professor David Galliver: "Here is a comprehensive and well-ordered philosophy of the art of singing; one which integrates both technical and interpretative aspects. While the technical principles of the classical tradition of singing as expounded by the late Lucie Manén lie at its basis, what is put forward here is very much an extension and development, illumined by Thomas Hemsley's long and exceptionally wide experience as a professional singer and teacher, as well as by a wealth of historical evidence. The second part of the book applies these principles, emphasising the fundamental role played by artistic imagination aund understanding. The picture which emerges is essentially comprehensive, and offers a holistic approach to the art of singing. "The book is addressed to those `with a gift for singing who would like to understand better how to approach putting that gift to use'. It will appeal to a wide range of singers, professional and others, and will challenge those pedagogues who rely heavily on the so-called `scientific' approach at the expense of fundamental human and artistic considerations. Hemsley's own scientific qualifications give additional authority to his hard-hitting arguments. The book is engagingly written, with many personal examples and anecdotes; it certainly makes good reading."

Table of Contents:
Introduction I: The Basic Principles Readiness to sing - The Raw Material Posture Posture - Hints The Impulse The Intention Intention - Hints The Anacrusis Colour Falsetto The Importance of Good Diction The Singer's Ear The Pitch-Intensity Effect Breath II: Words and Music The Works of the Imagination - Words and Music Legato and Tessitura The Pulse III: Performance Performance Bibliography Index

About the Author :
Distinguished opera and concert singer, now retired.

Review :
`Few books about singing can be wholeheartedly recommended, but this really is an exception. Drawing on his experience as a performer and teacher, Hemsley writes with clarity, elegance and obvious conviction. He states at the outset that his book is not designed to 'help those with vocal problems', yet there is more genuine technical wisdom packed within its pages than in many volumes twice its size ... This book reveals many truths which have been forgotten or are simply being ignored. It offers an alternative to the superficiality and mediocrity which sabotages so many performances, and it should be required reading, not only for singers, but for all those who love singing and are concerned about its survival as an art.' David Maxwell Anderson, BBC Music Magazine `'...,the book is useful in bringing much wisdom and insight which teachers, coaches, conductors, directors and composers (to whom the book is dedicated) and singers would do well not to ignore...'' Karen Sell, The Singer `'...Drawing on his experience as a performer and teacher, Hemsley writes with clarity, elegance and conviction...He shows a keen understanding of the dilemmas confronting the student...frequents, fascinating references to a wide variety of sources,...This book reveals many truths which have been forgotten or are simply being ignored. It offers an alternative to the superficiality and mediocrity which sabotage som any performances, and it should be required reading, not only for singers, but for all those who love singing and are concerend about its survival as an art.'' David Maxwell Anderson, BBC Music `'...The book's propositions are all of central interest to the singer; its manner is authoritative but not dogmatic, and its examples are excellent.'' Musical Times, `important and valuable points are made, but not just for the singer. Many of the issues addressed are relevant to the choral conductor and general music teacher, and those who teach or make contact with singers, both amateur and professional. Indeed, it is as a choral conductor myself that I believe the book has a message beyond its intended audience.' Colin Durrant, British Journal of Music Education `a searching narrative on an imaginative approach to singing ... presented in a lively conversational narrative ... a very welcome complement to lessons with an experienced teacher for students at a more advanced stage in their development. It will provide new angles of thought for those already in the profession, and in its language and approach is certainly a wellspring of inspiration.' Sara Cunningham, Music Teacher, November 1998 `Hemsley offers imaginative language in discussing the precise physiological and acoustic events of singing ... Hemsley offers singers a number of useful performance suggestions' Richard Miller, Notes Sept 1999