Caruso's Method of Voice Production: The Scientific Culture of the Voice (Dover Books on Music) [Paperback]

P. M. Marafioti (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 18, 2010 | Series: Dover Books on Music

The greatest tenor of his day, Enrico Caruso possessed remarkable breath control and enunciation along with an intense quality of vocal pathos. This guide explains clearly and scientifically how singers can emulate his phenomenal vocal production. Written by a noted laryngologist who devoted most of his career to Caruso, it includes detailed diagrams, instructions, and exercises.

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications (October 18, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-13: 978-0486241807
• ASIN: 0486241807
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #479,547 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Informative and Interesting, March 26, 2000

By 

acad (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Caruso's Method of Voice Production: The Scientific Culture of the Voice (Dover Books on Music) (Paperback)

I purchased this title because I am studying voice. It is rather dated (correction, 1922!), but the information is very useful to anyone who is studying, teaching, or interested in voice production. Marafioti focuses most of the book on the relationship between speaking and singing - natural singing (using Caruso as the perfect example). He includes vocal exercises in the back of the book, as well as several diagrams and pictures. The diagrams of the organs involved in voice production are particularly useful. At times, it's a little repetitive, and several passages were difficult to understand, so reading the book a second time helped clarify what I had not clearly grasped the first time. Marafioti presents new ideas and always supports his opinions. I think anyone interested in voice will appreciate the information and examples in this book.

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Greatest Book on Singing EVER, December 30, 2002

By 

David K. Goldstein (NY, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Caruso's Method of Voice Production: The Scientific Culture of the Voice (Dover Books on Music) (Paperback)

What Marafioti discusses, with complete support and input from Caruso himself as citations from his many letters proves, is the simplest, easiest and most sensible vocal method out there. Moreover, it makes perfect sense to even a non-singer. Don't force. Measure the breath with the diaphragm, this being the support that so many singers today couldn't even begin to define. OPEN YOUR MOUTH. WHY is that not taught across the board?? I would challenge any reviewer who wants to attack this superb and hugely important work to actually say what they find wrong with the technique set forth by the author, rather than just some ad hominem nonsense that doesn't help anyone. Also, they should be a classical singer, which the one negative reviewer is not. There is no reason why there can't be some fundamental rules for teaching voice, despite the ridiculous claims that no one technique is better than the other. PLEASE read this book if you are interesting in the study of voice, as it may well be the only work on subject you'll ever need. Read it BEFORE finding a voice teacher, so you can better know what to look for in a teacher and how to select one. As Marafioti points out, there are many, many charlatans out there, ruining classical singing. With the knowledge gained from this book, you should be able to avoid them and find one who truly can help you develop your voice to its fullest potential.

7 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb, February 7, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Caruso's Method of Voice Production: The Scientific Culture of the Voice (Dover Books on Music) (Paperback)

This is indeed the most superb book on correct singing technique. I, myself, studied for many years under teachers who taught me vowel modification and other such nonsense. I was told by many teachers that, although beautiful, my voice was too small to fill an opera house. They suggested I find other venues for singing. Then, I began studying with a teacher who was a master at the technique outlined in this book. I have never, in my life, heard anyone whose voice came close to the clarity, resonance, and overall production of this man. In time, with the careful study of Marafioti's book and excellent instruction of my teacher, my voice too gained a resonance that fills a very large house (without a microphone). Any serious vocal student should view this book as the bible of proper vocal technique. There are many teachers out there, each with their own technique. Let me assure you, if it does follow what is outlined in this book...Run!