Barber Agnus Dei

[bloeff]

Hi all,

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. It's been a rough year. I lost my mother and my daughter. This seemed like an appropriate song to record:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4iyH-oBNPk

I believe that my phrasing and overall dynamics are improving. Let me know what you think.

Thanks,
Bruce

[jochanaan]

You sang all the parts?  Impressive!

That said, I would like to hear more overall dynamic if possible.  The climax should be almost overwhelming yet controlled; the ending should fade completely into silence--no one should be able to tell exactly when the sound stops! Use some vibrato in the loud passages; that will give them more impact.

Also, your middle and lower tones have a little more "head voice" than I like.  Open, relaxed chest tones are more effective for the men's parts, especially the lowest bass tones.

[bloeff]

Thank you so much for your feedback. Being 61 years old and never having had a single voice lesson, this kind of input is invaluable to me. A leading classical record company actually wants me on their label! I'd much rather hear constructive criticism now than after releasing a crappy CD.

Thanks again,
Bruce

[jochanaan]

No voice lessons, huh?  Well, here's the first, and the last: Breathe.  Deep into and from your belly, like a yoga master.  Learn that, and the rest will fall into place.  Breathe, breathe, breathe...

[Karl Henning]

Diaphragmatic breath . . . .

[cjvinthechair]

Gee, how do you begin with something like that ? So fine - and fitting.

[jochanaan]

Diaphragmatic breath . . . .

Yes, but the diaphragm isn't really under conscious control.  The supporting abdominal muscles are easier for the brain to control...

[Karl Henning]

Yes, but the diaphragm isn't really under conscious control.  The supporting abdominal muscles are easier for the brain to control...

Aye.