Freeing the Natural Voice: Imagery and Art in the Practice of Voice and Language [Paperback]

Kristin Linklater (Author), Andre Slob (Illustrator)

Product Details

• Paperback: 381 pages
• Publisher: Drama Publishers; Rev Exp edition (October 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0896762505
• ISBN-13: 978-0896762503
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,810 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #45 in Books > Arts & Photography > Performing Arts > Theater

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly Recommended, August 23, 2007

By 

brooklyn/last exit (United States) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Freeing the Natural Voice: Imagery and Art in the Practice of Voice and Language (Paperback)

As a theatre director, I have read a lot of books about other directors and stagecraft, and far fewer about the intimate work of the actor. I never got around to making a close study of voice until now, and FTNV has been a wonderful revelation for me.

Not only is Linklater's work imagistically strong and physically clear, but the thoughtful and careful way she approaches "release" seems a metaphor that extends well beyond the borders of the voice. It has inspired me in all facets of my artistic work. Wonderful, insightful, highly recommended.

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Just goes to show you CAN improve on a classic., August 13, 2007

By 

Robert J. Pensalfini "Dr Rob" (Brisbane, Australia) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Freeing the Natural Voice: Imagery and Art in the Practice of Voice and Language (Paperback)

The original edition rightly cast Linklater as a leading figure in the world of voice training for actors and professional speakers. This edition is clearer, more specific, more exciting and more accessible. Greatly expanded, with useful (and diverse) illustrations, the text moves easily from theory to practice, with detailed exercises, musings, and references to a broad range of disciplines.
While nothing can substitute for learning this discipline from a qualified teacher, this book serves as an excellent road guide and reminder/refresher for the serious student or teacher.
As a professional linguist I can also vouch for the sound scientific grounding and accuracy of the discussion of the vocal process, which is all too often either lacking from dramatic voice work or else is so detailed that the student gets mired in anatomical minutiae and loses sight of the practical goal. Linklater ingeniously balances the science and art of voice in this improved classic.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Practical, inspiring new edition, August 13, 2007

By 

C. Anderson "CAnderson" (Chicago, IL, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Freeing the Natural Voice: Imagery and Art in the Practice of Voice and Language (Paperback)

The second edition of Freeing the Natural Voice is a vastly expanded, inspiring and practical book for anyone interested in the human voice. Especially useful for actors at any level of experience, it de-mystifies the process of working on the voice. Linklater generously shares the depth and breadth of her life's work in language that stimulates the imagination as well as the intellect. Based on her understanding of human psychology and anatomy and the nature of the actor's process, it offers a window into the ways an artist develops craft and creativity simultaneously. The book is essential for teachers and students of voice, and is inspiring to anyone practicing related arts. For singers, the book might offer a new dimension to their level of personal connection with their voices and their material.