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Date sent: Fri, 21 Jan 2000 17:30:16 EST
Subject: Re: RE: How high is AMAAAZING? /amusing
To: vocalist
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In a message dated 1/21/00 12:38:12 PM, mightymezzo-at-hotmail.com writes:

<< Mighty Mezzo has been told that her reliable high B-flat sounds pretty
amazing, coming as it does from a dramatic mezzo. >>

Mighty Mezzo must be a lovely singer. I'd love to hear you, Elizabeth.

Just some thoughts --I've been amused, not really amazed, at this thread,
both now and in the recent past when it came up. In over 30 years in the
music world -- singing, studying, teaching -- I've never heard anyone whose
opinion truly mattered to me list a huge range as the most important quality
of any singer.

It is a bit worrisome that so many singers posting here are so concerned with
it...and/or impressed. I understand that my young students are initially
impressed with an extremely high or low range. In addition, it is also true
that some extremes of range are what make a few singers more marketable.
However, in competitions I have judged, singers who make their mark by
singing those arias with extremely high ranges rarely have a middle or lower
register that has much color or evenness. Of course, I know there are a rare
few, with well-modulated voices who can sing all over the place and do it
well.

My hope is that all singers who post and read here are seeking and receiving
the appropriate training for their instrument and ambition, rather than
trying for the "quick fix" or "gimmick" that will make them feel they will be
noticed. A wide range cannot make up for a voice that is uneven, unappealing,
or unmusical. A lovely voice in a singer who is musical and expressive can
make 2 and 1/2 or 3 octaves seem like the most fabulous range in the world.

Sincerely,
Lynda Lacy, soprano, St. Andrews Episcopal Cathedral
Jackson Preparatory School
Jackson, MS
LYNDA313-at-aol.com