Don't say it, just play it

Article Abstract:

Western classical music rarely varies from the score, but some musicians are trying to bring back improvisation. Classical music up to the time of Beethoven was based largely on improvisation, but since then the written note has been sacrosanct. Modern thought is that improvising music leads to musical cliches or composing at high speed, but in other cultures such as in India, improvising is central to music. Some British musical groups such as Sinfonye which plays medieval music, and Joseph Holbrooke, a trio playing contemporary music, are attempting to return to the tradition.

United Kingdom, Innovations, Music, Improvisation (Music), Improvisational music

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The 'castrato' with all his bits

Article Abstract:

American counter-tenors strive for a richer sound than their British counterparts, according to Japanese-American counter-tenor Brian Asawa. He believes that early music in general is shifting towards a fuller singing style, in contrast with the thin sound which was popular when the tradition began. He regards vibrato as a vital tool, and believes that singing straight tone too much can have a negative impact on vocal production. He has focused on baroque, but has sometimes gone beyond the music traditionally associated with counter-tenors.

Countertenors, Countertenors (Singers), Asawa, Brian

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Size isn't everything

Article Abstract:

Making a debut at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York was a very exciting experience, according to mezzo-soprano opera singer Cecilia Bartoli. She has generally performed in smaller theatres which are more suited to her voice. Until recently, she has focused on mainly comic roles in Mozart and Rossini, but is now looking at other material too. She is shortly to release a new album, entitled 'Chant d'amour,' which is a collection of French songs by composers including Ravel, Berlioz and Delibes.

Opera singers, Bartoli, Cecilia

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