A History of Vocal Pedagogy: Intuition and Science

Beginning in 1564, with the first physiological treatise of Giovanni Camillo Maffei and ending with the remarkable development of solo singing, the Italian dictum 'chi sa respirare e pronunciare sa cantare' (He who knows how to breathe and pronounce knows how to sing) has been transformed by science into the most sophisticated and complete vocal paradigm in vocal history.

In this ground-breaking work, noted tenor, teacher, researcher, and operatic director, Joseph Talia, takes us on an inspiring journey through 450 years of history tracing such important topics as the development of voice production and vocal science, the transition from the sostegno system of breath management to the appoggio system, the debate on vocal registers as a purely a glottal phenomenon, and the importance of vocal elements such as posture, messa di voce, portamento, trills, and many other coloratura techniques and ornaments. All of these are analyzed through the overarching framework of human emotions and impeccable aesthetic appeal, remembering always Tosi's dictum that 'the heart is the greatest of teachers'.

Within these pages you will find a wealth of knowledge accumulated by the great singing masters of the past such as Bernacchi, Porpora, Tosi, Mancini, the Garcias, the Lampertis, and the Marchesis, as well as the tremendous and assiduous work performed by vocal scientists throughout history by such scientists as Janwillem van den Berg, Vennard, Hirano, Fant, Ingo Titze, and Sundberg to name just a few.

A History of Vocal Pedagogy is a vital resource for voice teachers, vocal researchers, serious vocal students, and vocal connoisseurs.