Dear Vocalisters:
I will make a short reply. I do not think there should be any difference in techniques between singing opera and art song (lieder, if you will). In each and all cases the literature should determine matters of tone, phrasing, articulation, etc. all of which are style matters.
One of the greatest difficulties singers constantly face is the confusion by seemingly everyone about matters of technique and matters of style. If one know all of his/her technique then style is a choice. If one does not have full control of his/her technique then style is not a choice but a "take what you can get".
This is the reason that many singers sing only art song. They do not have the full control of their technique to sing opera.
This is also the reason the many singers sing only opera. They do not have the full control of their technique to sing art song.
For me technique is not style nor personality. Technique is the ability to have the voice do whatever one chooses within the limits of healthy vocal function. Sense of style and native personality are expressive matters which rely on technique for their realization.
If the technique required for a particular style is not within the technical skill level of a particular singer, that singer cannot adequately perform in that style.
If the personality required for a particular style cannot be executed because the technical skill level of that singer is inadequately developed, that singer will be unable bring that personality to realization.
Too often we choose to ignore technical matters because they appear to be outside the realm of artistry but, in the case of singing, only technique can make the instrument that must be used for artistry available.
-- Lloyd W. Hanson, DMA Professor of Voice, Pedagogy School of Performing Arts Northern Arizona University Flagstaff, AZ 86011
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