How to Sing

I have multiple copies of this great book, including a signed copy of the German first edition. Like the the professional singer who took some real time to analyse this book, I always want to keep a copy close by. ALthough I am just an amateur, I have found that the Great Scale has proved a godsend to my voice. NO BOOK can teach you how to sing -- otherwise the world would be full of Carusos and Lehmanns and Domingos -- but a book such as this can help you refine your thought process around voice production, dramatic presentation, etc. For me, reading the chapter on how Mme. Lehmann worked out her interpretations of lieder was extraordinarily enlightening. Even a novice can learn from that: especially when you listen to her fabulous recording of "Erlkoenig" and can hear how truly her writing reflects her actual interpretation of that wonderful lied. Lehmann's entire life was dedicated to music (she was also a gifted pianist although she never performed on stage) and the 2 editions of arias which she edited and scored for piano make a nice complement to this book. In sum, there is much food for thought here for professional and amateur and operaphile alike. Lehmann was noted for the intellectual validity of her interpretations as well as for her technique: we are fortunate that she left both a comprehensive vocal record and a solid, practical written guide.