Description
Book SynopsisTrade ReviewVocal Virtuosity presents fascinating insight into the French coloratura voice type, one that will dispel any perception of superficiality and dramatic limitation...It is highly recommneded. * Debra Greschner, Journal of Singing *
The chronology contains mesmerizing descriptions of the cultural and social milieu of nineteenth century France ... Vocal Virtuosity presents fascinating insight into the French coloratura voice type, one that will dispel any perception of superficiality and dramatic limitation. The volume also paints masterful portraits of the singers who established a new genre and created new heroines, both on and off stage. It is highly recommended. * Debra Greschner, Journal of Singing *
Contributes in important ways to both a performance-centred historical musicology and feminist musicology, reclaiming a space for coloratura sopranos in the history of opera...Sean Parr makes a compelling case for the agency of prima donnas who shaped French operatic life during the nineteenth century, defining a supremely thrilling and moving voice type. * Barbara Gentili, reviewed in Music & Letters (2022) *
An eye-opener. * Benjamin Ivry, Opera Now Magazine *
Sean Parr's detailed chapters dive into the art and tradition of coloratura singing, its technical and emotional aspects, as well as the history of this most adulated voice type. He explores many facets, in particular, of bel canto and French composers' use of coloratura writing to heighten the interpretative possibilities of demanding soprano roles. I hope that every singer of this repertoire takes time to read this book and discover some of the lesser known gems he describes. With this resource, I feel inspired to explore new facets of my own singing, as well as to empower other singers to do the same. * Lisette Oropesa, Lyric Coloratura Soprano, Metropolitan Opera, and Masterclass Leader *
A provocative, engaging, and thoroughly original chronicle of vocal virtuosity in nineteenth-century French operatic culture. Sean Parr's dexterous embrace of a range of eclectic sources results in a beautifully written account that opens up direct access to the long-lost music of prima donnas whose voices rang gloriously through opera houses prior to the age of recording. * Hilary Poriss, Associate Professor, Department of Music, Northeastern University *
Table of ContentsList of Tables, Figures, and Examples Acknowledgements About the Companion Website Introduction: Coloratura and Female Vocality Chapter 1: The New Franco-Italian School of Singing Chapter 2: Verdi and the End of Italian Coloratura Chapter 3: Melismatic Madness and Technology Chapter 4: Caroline Carvalho and Her World Chapter 5: Carvalho, Gounod, and the Waltz Chapter 6: Vestiges of Virtuosity: The French Coloratura Soprano Epilogue: Unending Coloratura Bibliography Index
