The Art of the Song Recital [Paperback]

Shirlee Emmons (Author), Stanley Sonntag (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1979

The definitive work in its field! Since its original publication, the Emmons-Sonntag text has continually stood out as the definitive work on the song recital. The book presents imaginative advice and practical techniques for producing successful recitals and kindling audience excitement. Every aspect of the recital is covered, from building programs and the use of acting skills to the relationship between the singer and the accompanist. Singers of all levels and backgrounds will benefit from the authors' vast experience in the performance of song recitals as a singer/accompanist team. The comprehensive repertoire lists, now organized by voice and instrumentation as well as by composer, appeal to both students and professional musicians. Readers will agree that the authors have met their goal of providing "extensive, thoroughgoing, and definitive insights into the attributes that can render the song recital at once a great art and a magnificent entertainment." Includes new, 25-page Repertoire Lists by Voice and Instrument(s).

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Titles of related interest also from Waveland Press: David Blair McClosky, with members of the McClosky Institute of Voice, Your Voice at Its Best: Enhancement of the Healthy Voice, Help for the Troubled Voice, Fifth Edition (ISBN 9781577667056); and Stanton, Steps to Singing for Voice Classes, Third Edition (ISBN 9781577661351). --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

From the Inside Flap

"Should be on the shelf of every voice teacher as well as in music libraries."
- Richard LeSueur, MLA Notes

"Emmons and Sonntag have made a unique, valuable and remarkably sane contribution . . . I especially appreciate their positive approach to the music of our own century."
- Suzanne Roy, Penn State University

"Impressively organized and germane to just about every facet of the song recital I can think of-an invaluable guide and reference."
- Pamela Lewis, Carnegie-Mellon University --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 450 pages
• Publisher: Schirmer Books (January 1979)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0028705300
• ISBN-13: 978-0028705309
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 5.9 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,580,684 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An excellent resource for teachers of singing., July 17, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Art of the Song Recital (Paperback)

Emmons gives clear instruction and good advice about constructing, preparing for, and executing song recitals. She includes specific examples of recital programs for different levels of singers and for different kinds of recitals. One of the most useful tools in the book is an appendix of suggested songs for voice types and with different instrumentation.

19 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars More than informational, no less than inspiring, January 21, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Art of the Song Recital (Paperback)

The most useful tools are the repertoire lists and sample programs. However, Emmons/Sonntag have put together a most universal approach for all parties involved in the recital including inspiring information of what often seems to be a lost art form.

3 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Largely a waste of paper!, August 19, 2010

By 

Emmanuel - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Art of the Song Recital (Paperback)

As an experienced international recitalist and teacher, I bought this book because it's title suggests that it would be a useful resource for my students who are typically young, aspiring professional singers. To say I was disappointed would be an understatement. This book repeatedly states the blindingly obvious, offers questionable opinions as facts, and proposes some highly impractical programme options. For better advice buy books by Sergius Kagen!