Sumi Jo’s Star Formula

[joshuamaccluermusic]

In early February I made my debut as a soloist with the Hong Kong Philharmonic in a performance of Handel's Let the Bright Seraphim partnered with the terrific soprano Sumi Jo. It was a very enjoyable musical experience for me and I learned a lot from working with her.

Sumi shared about what her values were; what was the most important to her. Her answer was succinct and made a lot of sense.

1: Technique: "The technique must be there, we are technicians, and there is no substitute for proper use of your instrument."

2: Musicality: "The musicianship and phrasing come from deep within and some people have it and some people don't. It is an inherited gift at birth."

This one I do not agree with, I think that phrasing is mostly a matter of a lifetime of playing, studying, and listening to music. Sumi's musicianship perhaps does come from God, but mine is something I picked up along the way.

3: "Give yourself. You can't hide anything from the audience. Give 100% yourself, as much as you can to them, and they (assuming you have #1 and #2) will accept you, follow you, and love you. Give give give, until you are exhausted. Then give more."

Read the full article at:
http://joshuamaccluer.com/everyone-loves-sumi-jo/

[knight66]

Interesting, thanks for sharing. Although she is not a particular favourite of mine, I do think she has a superb technique and the sound she makes is very pleasing. It would be good to hear more of your experiences.

Mike

[Xenophanes]

She is amazing. There are so many good sopranos I have not been able to keep up with them all.

I see you commented on this one on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3x0xurGBz8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYZngjS04SI

[knight66]

I am trying to recall the precise incident in a documentary about Karajan. After a rehearsal for something, Karajan was introduced to Sumi Jo who at that point was very young. He asked her what she was singing next and it was Queen of the Night. Karajan advised  her against it saying that every time you sang it a little piece of your voice is left on the floor. He asked her who was the conductor. She looked embarrassed and said she did not know. Karajan remarked aside in contempt....she doesn't know who is conducting her and shook his head.

Early on she sang it for Solti. I suspect she was being wise by not mentioning him to Karajan. Of course, Karajan was wrong to advise her against the role. She sang it with great success and it seemed not to do any damage to her voice.

Mike