Nicholas Isherwood

The Techniques of Singing

The music of the 20th and 21st centuries demands a notably larger spectrum of abilities than traditional vocal literature. Nicholas Isherwood describes these techniques with numerous examples, gives practice tips and demonstrates the techniques on the CD included with this book.

Using Berio’s “Sequenza III” as an example, Isherwood shows how a singer can learn such a work, step by step. The book also includes an overview of solo vocal repertoire and makes reference to pieces that might be suitable for a singer with little experience in the music of the 20th and 21st centuries.

Composers will also benefit from this book, thanks in particular to information on vocal registers, their limits and possibilities. In addition, the musical examples provide an insight into various notation possibilities.

Includes chapters on the following themes:
- From whispering to screaming
- The use of electronic amplification
- Micro-intervals
- Multiphonics
- Vibrato
- Register
- Flexibility
- Singing and acting
- Improvisation