Description
This talk will enhance the appreciation of the extraordinary skill and dedication necessary for classical singing. The fundamental principles will be described and then explained in terms of the anatomy and physiology of the larynx, breathing mechanism and resonators of the upper airway.
The features of a good opera libretto will be discussed as will the problems of translation from a work’s original language, both for singing and for the production of sur- and subtitles for the opera house and live relay.
Some ideas on the “X-factor”, why some singers command immediate attention, will be proposed. The talk will be illustrated with musical examples from recordings and video clips.
dr hugh seeley
Dr Hugh Seeley was a consultant anaesthetist at St George’s Hospital, London, and for the last seven years of his medical career a regional postgraduate dean in the University of London. He started singing lessons while still at school and was a choral scholar at Clare College, Cambridge.
At the age of 52 his singing studies were interrupted for a few years by the sudden onset of a neurological problem affecting the larynx. This evoked an interest in the anatomy and physiology involved in singing and gave him time to reflect on the marriage of words and music that underlies this art form.
agenda
10.45 am
Registration, tea and coffee
11.30 am
Welcome and introduction
11.40 am
Reflections on singing from an erstwhile physician and erstwhile singer
Dr Hugh Seeley
12.30 pm
Discussion
12.45 pm
Close of meeting followed by lunch
For those who have pre-booked