OOOPS ! We lost an hour.......

You'd think I'ye been on earth long enough not to be affected by the summertime change of timing, but it feels as though I've lost a whole nights' sleep and the ensuing day has been completely out of sync. - it's all in the mind you know ! If only the mind was in good working order..... The same with singing - you need to let go of intellect and BREATHE naturally for the voice to work NATURALLY !!! That sounds like an obvious remark, but it's more tricky than one realises to stop thinking that singing is as easy as just talking .....it really is, and if we "overtalk" it's tooooo much. Then we come to enunciation - why do we overexaggerate our speech mode to sing ? "HaaaLLoooowww, hooouuuoooooooow aaaaaaaaaare yoooooooooooooooooouw " instead of "Hallo, how are you? ". Know what I mean...?? My time here in Stockholm is almost finished (aaaaaah) and I return to England on the 2nd. of April - only to be whisked off to Paris on the 4th. April to breathe with Rosalind Plowright, the distinguished English singer, in a Dallapiccolo piece at the Palais Garnier - quite a contrast to Anna Larsson in her extraordinary Orphee, and Goran in his embryonic "Poet" - who knows where they will go from here, all avenues are open - toi, toi, toi to both.... variety IS the spice of life ...I'm gonna miss them and their gorgeous boys, Axel and August xxxx- not forgetting Mussi, the happy hund x!
The bones in my left cheek are responding much better in finding my "ping" again, and it all feels much more secure now - I can go on to new sensations and help others with theirs! The most encouraging development on this visit has been the excitement of Anna and Goran moving into new areas of phonation - the less they do the more spectacular are the results, and it is quite frustrating to other singers who can't undrestand how they do it - it's just - MAGIC - TOLD YOU SO - NA NA NANA NA....Yes, I know I'm a boring cow ---- moooooooooo - ! Have fun and k..p b.......n xxx

New opera - "The Poet and the Prophetess " - fabulous !!

Well, well- brrrrrrr ! Anna (L) and I duly arrived in Umea to a much cooler temperature than we left in Stockholm, but we were well prepared and wrapped up warmly - much snow is still about, especially in large heaps, dumped everywhere by snow ploughs over the past few months, resulting in muddy, naturally sculpted abstracts ... fascinating... the which word aptly describes the magnificent production of Mats Larsson Gothe's new creation as above - it really was a great surprise to find such a wonderful production of a new piece, brilliantly staged and executed with total dedication by the entire company - and I mean everybody in the building ! There was such an air of excited anticipation and we were not disappointed. On the contrary, Magnus Aspegren, (a long time aquaitance from Stockholm Opera Hogskolan) directs a company that is the envy of many much larger cities worldwide - congratulations on your inspirational artistic achievements Magnus ! How wonderful to discover this fine presentation on top (almost) of the world. You can read much more about our evening in the national press, or on line, suffice it to say that the ensemble was lead by the exciting, radiant voiced tenor, Goran Eliasson, his phrasing, colouring and beautifully timbred voice lifted one - Oh, how refreshing to hear such a perfect interpretation of the poet, vocally and histrionically convincing. He is perfectly matched by Elisabeth Strid, the soprano with a glorious, warm voice - why haven't we heard more of them before this - maybe this will be the beginning of a new era of bel canto, as opposed to "can belto" .....The entire cast and orchestra are thoroughly supportive and make this a rare treat... much of this due to the choristers with their slighly differing styles from either side of the equator - the refined European school, and those open throated, vibrant voices from South Africa - extraordinry contrast and equally pleasing. The dancers are to die for - ZAP..WHAM.. WOWEEE - how Mats Ek and Ana Laguno wolud like them , I certainly did ....my feet were itching to join in - some hope with my maturity !! All in all, a most inspiring evening. If you can, make the effort to support this inspiring evening - or go to Cape Town in September (I think). Spring has finally arrived "back at the ranch" here in S'holm - picnic in brilliant sunshine out in the garden with lovely neighbours - birds warbling away, children giggling and playing... peace ond serenity.....k..p b.......g...Happy spring...

Going up north in Sweden....Goran ELIASSON !!

Tomorrow is Gorans' premiere in Umea - I mentioned it in a previous blog, but didn't report that in the Stockholm press his name was misquoted as Goran Eriksson - tush, tush - almost as bad as my wayward keyboard fingers..... Anna (Larsson) and I will go there tomorrow - the farthest north I have ever been in the world, the land of the midnight sun, and Father Christmas - sounds like a very romantic place and I'm looking forward to it...One of the joys of being a guest in their happy, comfortable home is having fun with the boys - Axel and August - it takes years off one to romp around and enjoy their frolics ! Yes, the inner child is still very much alive with all of us in this household, even when we are dog tired, such a blessing. Yesterday I walked in the woods, by the seashore, in glorious sunshine, with Anna and Mussi, their friendly little dachshund, (and managed to avoid slipping on the icy paths with the help of Anna) - that was blissful. On many occasions I used my breathing technique to ascend little hillocks and steps - as you go up, breathe in slowly through the nose, then exhale slowly through pursed lips - don't gasp in air through the mouth as you will tire and have a very dry mouth and throat... In England we consider that everyone needs an imaginary "island" to find peace, and they literally have that ! One can understand the serenity of Goran and Anna when they are far from the madding crowd, and hurly burly of show biz !! So, here's to every success for the production .....k..p b.......g Dear Readers....show

Toi, toi, toi Goran (Eliasson) in Umea......

There is an exciting event about to take place in Umea, Sweden, at Norrlands Operan - a newly written composition by Mats Larsson Gothe - "The Poet and Prophetess", premiere on Saturday 29th. March 2008. The role of the Poet will be created by one of my finest "breathers" - the luscious voiced Goran Eliasson - you will have the opportunity to hear one of the most versatile singers display his finely tuned tenor in a riveting performance - and you ain't heard nothin' yet !!! Supported by a first class cast, with Scandinavian and South African artists, this promises to be a collaboration worth travelling for. I'll tell you no more at the moment - a surprise is not a surprise if you know about it in advance ..... As many of you know, Goran is the husband of Anna Larsson, the outstanding contralto who has just created a sensation in the title role of Orphee at Kungliga Operan, Stockholm - this golden couple are proving that a little light air is the secret to a consummate vocal technique, and it's working fantastically well for both of them !! Yes, of course I'm biased, because I have followed their careers and seen them develop into world class artists - no overnight "flash in the pan wonders" with them, but well paced study, and the desire to reach perfection in their chosen discipline which destiny ordained for them. They have my undying admiration and love, for their tenacity and application. Without them, my little breathing technique would never have been so successful as they encourage others, by example, to give breathing its correct priority in the art of singing - and they are true painters of music for the voice.....So, Dear Readers, and especially if you use the Simsonic brain oxygenating routine - be inspired by Goran and Anna and ....k..p b.......g!

Fascinating contrast ....breathers at different stages.......

Greetings ! On Easter Monday I held a breathing workshop for some gifted young singers in the Larsson/Eliasson studio in Stockholm - and what a treat that was ! All had been recommended to me as interested in finding out the advantages of having a secure breathing technique, BEFORE they embark on concentrated vocal studies. As Anna Larsson, the distinguished contralto, and her equally illustrious tenor husband, Goran Eliasson (in whose studio we were working ) both use the Simsannabim routine so brilliantly, it seemed appropriate to be there! Maybe it's the studio that has some mystic fluence over the participants, because everyone found new sensations in their phonation and produced wonderful voices - miraculous ...! Here's to the next time....congratulations all round.... Tonight I attended the final performance of the Mats Ek directed "Orphee" at Kungliga Operan, Stockholm - with the aforementioned Anna Larsson in the title role, (played as remarkably opposite to her usual glamourous roles) - a tour de force if ever there was one...Her whole portrayal of the character, coupled with that unique voice - Oh, lucky Gluck and Berlioz - there have been few singers with so perfect a voice range for this part, and I have never heard the "J'ai perdu"/"Che Faro" sung with such pathos - there couldn't have been a dry eye in the house......Annas' Euridice was the lovely Lisa Larsson - (no relation), beautiful in every way, and with a bell like quality in the voice - a perfect match. Jeanette Bjorling played the cheeky Amor as a bandage swathed cherub, Egytian mummy style - aided by some nimble dancers who transported her about the stage - very cute !! After such a stimulating experience I will sleep well tonight .....k..p b.......g ....zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Three generations ...WOW !!

The service in Brevik church, Lidingö, with the gentle Pergolesi Stabat Mater was very uplifting, and another touching element of that afternoon was being in the presence of three generations from one family - Elisabeth Haglund, the soprano soloist, her Mamma Eva, the inspirational leader at Kulturama - and HER Mamma, a mere ninety eight year young lady ! Well, you could have knocked me down with a feather, and I really felt like a spring chicken ! The Grandma did not show any sign of being more mature than about sixty five - wonderful complexion, terrific poise, charming personality and such an aura - whatever it is that keeps her so, I'd like a large portion of.....God bless you all....
Yesterday I duly attended the performance of "Falstaff" at the Stockholm Royal Operea (my nickname for that establishment ! ) and was treated to one of the most scintillating productions of the piece that I've ever experienced ... and most surprisingly, it was so ENGLISH ! Full of giggles and glee ....Verdi had us "sussed"....Found myself listening to the Italian words, watching the Swedish text - and putting it in to English hoping to improve my understanding of the latter .... we're always being told in England that we only ever use a third of our brain power during our lives, so I think I may be breaking a record...... The staging was such fun, and the singing wholely pleasing - lots of fresh air floating about..... congratulations all round.....Having discovered that my laptop can receive but not send e mails, (lots out there in the ether, as usual), I would like to apologise most sincerely, to those who turned up for a breathing workshop today that has been moved to tomorrow .. please come along and join in the fun, (I'll use the 'phone in future) ... and try to keep cool ....mmmmmm breathe deeply and forgive me...madanna xx

Pergolesi on Lidingo, Stockholm...

You may have wondered where I am with a lot of Swedish references - yes, I AM in Stockholm . Today is Good Friday in the U.K., (alliteration of Godfriday), Long Friday in Sweden, and I was invited to a service in Brevik Church, Lidingo, lead by the Rev. Ingegard Hakanson Nilsson, incorprorating the Pergolesi Stabat Mater - written when he was twenty three years old. Such a tragedy that he died three years later... This is a favourite piece for me, having sung it many times over the years. It never ceases to fill me with the emotion of the occasion, and lifts the spirit beyond the cares of everyday life. As created today, with a double ladies choir from Brevik and Bodals churches... Oh , how delightful to hear such uncomplicated, pure singing, from the heart. The music was directed by an inspiring lady, Ingrid Damstedt Holmberg, who drew such wonderful sounds from the choir, string quintet, and two superb soloists, Elisabeth Haglund, soprano, and Anita Weinius, mezzo-soprano - what a surprise to find such a fine performance almost next door to where I am staying ! Congratulations all round - and no, I didn't hear anyone breathe , I just knew they were breathing because of the quality in the music they made.....Now I can confess that I was in tears many times.. it was so moving, with brilliant spring sunshine blazing in and filling the church with celestial light...
- perfect....One of the most surprising aspects of the afternoon was that the psalm singing, by the whole congregation, was unaccompanied by any instrument - an unknown experience in the U.K......and it was always in tune and time - amazing.....
Tomorrow I go to see Verdi's "Falstaff" at The Stockholm Royal Operea - one of my favourite haunts - as the guest of soprano Hillevi Martinpelto, another "brilliant breather" - the way she "floats" her voice into ravishingly beautiful phrases - I could listen all night and never tire of it ......toi,toi, toi, Hillevi.....here's to your "Marschallin" in "Der Rosenkavalier" sooooon..... keep breathing Dear Readers....be inspired.....

Help - I can't find my "piiiiiing"......

What is this "ping" I can't find ? It's the tiny sensation in the mask of the face, mainly in the nose and sinuses, " na, na, nana, na " the sound children make when they are taunting. The problem has arisen since my recent dental operation; having made sure the surgeon was aware of the importance of facial resonances, it was, unfortunately, necessary to remove some of the jaw bone to "excavate" the offending buried wisdom tooth - sounded from inside as if he was digging for gold - no such luck ! The outcome is that I have now joined the ranks of singers trying to find their "ping", or focus. For the first time in my life it is not there automatically - oooouuch....heeelp !! Vocal Focus is a vital part of the connection between air and phonation; unless it it accurate, all the air control you can muster will not produce a perfect tone - is it time to retire graciously if I don't find it again to impart the secrets to my lovely breathers....? Now I can appreciate the frustration of being so near and yet so far from perfection.....On a daily basis it improves slightly, so I have to progress gently and try to be patient with myself - (not very good at that), and just keep praying for yet ANOTHER miracle - keep your fingers crossed for me.... The odd thing is that in some frequencies, the voice is achieving better sounds more easily than before - 'tis a puzzlement......Anna Larsson, the "Megabreather", is currently treating New York audiences,(U.S.of A.), to four performances of Bach's St. Mattius Passion, on four consecutive days, then back to Stockholm Royal Opera for the final performance of Orphee, 26th. March 2008; Gluck/Berlioz edition, in Mats Eks' amazing production - let's hope it will come out in d.v.d form so that a wider public can marvel at it....Now you know how Anna earned that title.....her ability to change the style of singing, as opposed to the voice, is remarkable, and to be able to sing in any part of the world outside ones' natural time zone is an added bonus. This is facilitated by having perfectly controlled breathing, which she meticullously keeps in order, but never over practises .. if it's working, just check it, then leave it alone - save it for performances....I once heard a young and promising soprano proudly pronounce, at 10.30 one morning, to the legendary English soprano Joan Cross - "Oh Miss Cross - I've just sung twenty top C's "! After a pregnant pause, Miss Cross who was known to be quite curt and to the point, answered "Well, I'm sure that's highly commendable Dear, but it's twenty less in your careeeeer - Deeeaaar !!"
Be warned..... and you know what - K...B.......g!

O.K., I'm breathing - but why are teeth important...?

With any luck, you are blessed with your own teeth, as opposed to false ones. Not having any experience of the latter, I'm keeping the few that I have left in good order as they are still securely rooted in the bone of the jaws and mask, that's where the resonances originate, vibrating the sound which is then projected at whatever dynamic you determine. The confusing part of this process is why it takes so little air to create a huge volume of sound - and if you haven't achieved this sensation you won't know what I mean - very helpful !!! Modern technology and lots of innovative research have created dental implants; porcelain teeth screwed in to the jaw bones - alas, too late for me. The bone mass in my jaws is considered too fragile for the process, such a pity .....Never mind, my surviving teeth are doing a grand job currently, and I hope will do so until I cease to breathe.....Sometimes I think all that vibration may have contributed to my toothlessness..!.? One of the latest fashion "fads" is to whiten ivory coloured teeth - what madness ! One reason I am so toothless is, partly, that they were always exceedingly bright white (no longer so...) because the ivory was very thin and therefore easily decayed - as explained to me yeeeeaaars ago by a dentist. So why damage this protective layer with whatever chemicals are used in the bleaching process ? Of course, if the teeth are simply discoloured and stained, regular brushing should rectify that, without the use of harsh chemicals. Many artists have found it neccessary to have corrective and cosmetic dentistry as it is not accepted generally to have crooked or uneven teeth - we all have to look "perfect", as dictated mainly by the media. Maybe some day we will all be so bored by such "perfection" that "imperfection" will become fashionable, then dentists and plastic surgeons will thrive on that...!!? Yes - the imagination is running wild again - better say goodnight, sleep well - nice slow deep breaths - in through the nose, and equally slowly, and gently out through the moooouuth - nnnnnnnn.........zzzzzzzzzz........

Let's consider teeth........

Apart from a good breathing system, teeth are next most important item for a voice user. Three years ago an impacted (buried) wisdom tooth started to move down in my upper left jaw - can you believe it's been dormant all those years ..? It started to loosen the two molars beneath it and my dentist declared that they would just fall out naturally - I believed him .......Mmm mmmm... His prediction did not come about, and eating has been quite difficult for some time. Although there has been no pain, two wobbly teeth are not very comfortable, and useless in the matter of chewing food, especially when they are out of line with the molars in the lower jaw - so I've been chewing sideways for some time - not a pretty sight ....! Recently I went for a general health check up with my excellent G.P., Dr. East, and she pronounced me in the best of health - for my age ...hmmm, wonder what the hidden agenda is in that remark...? Anyway, when she asked if I have any discomforts and I mentioned the terrible teeth. She examined the my top left jaw and asked if I knew there is a small growth in the hard palate, alongside the displaced teeth. I had to confess that it had been there for some time and I hadn't taken much notice of it as it didn't hurt. Dr. East immediately called the dental hospital in Watford, about eight miles away, and I was given an appointment two days later ..! When my mouth was examined by the specailist surgeon, he declared that he had never seen anything like it before, and wondered what was going on ...nice one ... he then called in his senior consultant who had also not seen such a conditon - and he then brought in the Head of Department who was likewise puzzled ... strange.... A date for surgery was set, and I duly turned up in fear and trepidation - who doesn't when just going for a dental check-up with regular dentist..?? I won't go into the details of ensuing operation, suffice it to say that all is much better now. It transpires that the infection which had caused the growth had probably been poisoning my system for some time - now I can fully open my jaws - watch out ..!! ( That is not an action I recommend to my singers.) The only thing that bothers me at the moment is that the operation has affected the resonances in the mask of my face, and my voice sounds a little "husky" in the middle register - hopefully that will come back to normal once the healing process is complete - keeping my fingers crossed for that..... Many voice users think I'm jesting when I advise them to insure their teeth - dentistry is VERY expensive. When the Welsh National Opera started giving performances I went to a performance of "Il Trovatore". At that time most of their soloists were mature, and the Azucena was a very distinguished senior mezzo-soprano. In "Strida la vampa" her magnificent voice filled the theatre and she put really passionate energy into the text - literally "biting"the words. At the end of the first phrase she spat out the word so violently that her top plate of false teeth shot out on to the stage with a resounding clatter !! . Non-plussed, she carried on mumbling the text with a flabby top lip until she reteieved her teeth, triumphantly replaced them, and received an ovation at the end of the aria - now, how's that for stage presence....fantastic..! and courage...?!! Her breathing was perfect....
K..p b.......g.....

Never assume......

Never assume......

This advice I was given as a student by my tutor at The London Opera Centre, on the Production course, as a stage director. It came about that we had rehearsed a scene, and a cue was missed. "What went wrong ?" asked the tutor. Explaining that at the previous rehearsal a chair had been set on the stage, I assumed it would be set at this run through. "Did you check that it was with the props. off stage before this run ?" "No " Then came the "never assume" advice......but, I still do to this day, don't we all.... Which takes me back to my previous blog - treatment of cleaners. This morning I talked with a very nice lady who is from another country. When I complimented her on her thorough and efficient cleaning, plus attention to detail, and how difficult it can be to find "dedicated" staff with a pride in their work, she explained that she had not worked as a cleaner before leaving her home country, but had been in management, so had some idea of responsibility and a job well done in whatever capacity ... her lack of the language in her new domicile prevented her from entering management. "Many people just think I'm uneducated because I have to make my living here as a cleaner ".....
When singing in a production at The Royal Opera in London some years ago, I was surprised to hear one of the stage crew "heavy gang" asking me, with a very calm, educated accent, "Excuse me madam , may I come past you ?" Well - the usual term by the resident crew would have been more like "Oi ducky - move you're a.. !" with a lovely Cockney "twang "... Later, in the staff canteen, I asked the Oxford English speaking technician how he happened to be working with the stage crew. He explained that he was a qualified G.P = General Practitioner = family doctor, but had given that up because he was obliged to spend more of his time with form-filling and administration work, than contact in his surgery with his patients! He now had less responsibility, a higher salary , and time with his own family....so, don't assume, you never know what experience and skills people have...where they've been, or what they've done..
The one thing we all share in common is, using the air - today I was explaining that we often assume that singing is difficult because we find a phrase tricky - and I've already explained that confusion away, I hope.....get out there and enjoy yourself in performance, then maybe your audience will also, just don't overdo it by hanging on too long when you know a note is fantastic. One tenor, who shall be nameless, was singing in "Tosca" for the R.O.C,. London. At "Vittoria, Vittoria" he held the second one on rather too long, with an ecstatic expression because he knew it was a great sound, supported brilliantly with air - until a man in the audience shouted very loudly "OOOH, GET ON WITH IT !!!" - "Philistine" we all thought, but the listener was quite right - don't assume that the audience don't know what they're listening to... With one touring company we were in the depths of Cornwall. A member of the cast commented that he didn't think he'd need to sing as though he was at a major London opera house "down here in the sticks". This I pointed out was the wrong attitude, audiences, wherever you are, deserve the best performance you can give - they have paid you the compliment of coming to the performance. Much to the surpise of our company, after the show, who should come backstage to compliment us on the quality of the performance but, the Director of The Royal Opera, London! He happenend to have a cottage retreat just round the corner, and invited us to lunch the next day. "I didn't expect to hear such a good singing from a touring company ". Later, several of the singers were contracted by him for the R.O.C. - you never know who's listening .......
K..p b.......g....

First and last breath........

Now that I've convinced myself, (and hopefully you, if you needed convincing) of the importance of breathing, we can go on to further aspects of the art of breathing and the way it dominates our lives ! With any luck it is the first thing we do when we emerge (not for me though!), and the last when we expire.
There are now fantastic machines which can support the human body - "iron lung" is their title. When you see one and consider its size, you can only marvel at the efficiency of the human lungs, tiny by comparison....
In my opinion, any talent taken to it's ultimate perfection becomes an art.....
Have you ever seen a Chinese calligrapher at work - it's quite a spiritual experience ? He leans over the scroll and breathes audibly, moving with extraordinary grace, and giving each stroke a part of his living soul - we are both uplifted by it.....
Watching a gifted footballer, or ice skater, score what seems to be an impossible goal is fascinating - "How did he DO that one thinks, it was so quick ?" . That was his creation, and just as much an art as watching a ballet dancer achieve an amazing leap - Nuryev comes to mind -"Is he EVER going to land again ..?" I was fortunate enough to be working at the Royal Opera in London and allowed to stand in the the wings (side of the stage) when he was mesmerising us with his agility and charismatic creativity - everything in the right place at the right time - and most of all his breath control. He didn't appear to breathe at all - maybe that was his secret, he just floated around in the ether....? Carlos Acosta currently has the same facility, but about three times the weight and size of Nuryev - and we don't hear him land either - no huffing and puffing......magic.....
My gratitude always goes out to cleaners, in whatever capacity they work. For some unknown reason this profession is generally classed as the bottom of the scale in
social status. Wrong !! It should be top of the list....As far as I'm concerned, a cleaner uses their skill to create a pleasant ambience, and is as valuable to any company as the managing director, especially if the cleaner is more efficient in their work !
Without cleaners the "civilised" world be up to the sky in - rubbish, garbage, crap - whatever ..!! A good cleaner makes an art of the job, and is rightfully happy in their work - sometimes this joy is heard as they hum along with their duster, or vacuum cleaner, and they never seem to have a problem with their breathing (unless they actually have a respiratory condition), because the physique is moving
and thus synchronises the breathing apparatus - simple as that.....
So enjoy the housework if you don't have a cleaner to do it for you ... and try not to make too much dust fly - I've spent many hours teaching theatre students how to sweep vast stages without raising clouds of dust - and it's fascinating watching the stage crew in any big theatre, move in line gently, "tweaking" vast brushes, overlapped, to keep the dust low - as entertaining as watching the little cgynets in "Swan Lake" , though somewhat differently clad !
Enjoy life in whatever art you choose..... and ... k..p b.......g

,,

Lack of oxygen in some buildings....

Of course, you have probably been subjected to overheated and under ventilated buildings worldwise, and for me it can be most uncomfortable. My lung capacity is limited by fire damage, so the fresher the air is, and oxygenated, the better.
Some of the worst buildings are hotels - invariably they are heated to such a high temperature, that one who is accustomed to being cooler in doors - AND with a draught which allows oxygen in stealthily - feels suffocated ! Many modern theatres and concert halls are also somewhat user unfriendly .....
I can remember times when I have slightly opened a window at night in a private house, so that I could sleep better, and the hostess rushing in to slam it closed - "it upsets the central heating programme ... and raises the temperature in other parts of the building !"
My first encounter with lack of oxygen was - at birth ! The umbilical cord was wound firmly around my neck and I was " a nasty colour" as my Mother told me once ... So, I was wrapped up by the midwife - those were the days when hospital maternity facilities were only available in emergency cases, and my emergency was unknown prior to birth.
Pronounced as "still born", my Mother was tended to, and eventually the midwife picked up the lifeless bundle, uncovered me, and gave me a healthy slap on the back - "Hey Presto!" - I let out my first high note !!! In my view, I'm really a ghost - ooooooooooh! Now you know why I consider breathing soooooo important - I jest, but it would improve the lives of many if they took inspiration seriously.
When the respiratory system and lack of physical connection is sluggish - guess what - one feels as one imagines a slug feels, slow and lethargic ......just not so slimy....and imagine being an overheated slug - yuk !
Try to have a walk every day - or sit on a swing; when going backwards and up, take in a nice deep breath, and when you reach the fulcrom - you should have a weightless sensation that is the same as the Italian inhallare feeling - just like "floating in space" momentarily I'm assured....but cheaper to achieve -
t'will expensive with Virgin space flights !!
sincere good wishes - and you know what......k..p b.......g.....

Johan Rudebeck - don't miss another megabreather ! !

To those of you who can make it to "My favourite Flops ", Johan's newest compilation of songs from musicals that "flopped" - he always finds something good somewhere in the score - make your way to MOSEBACKE in Stockholm - (it's only about three or four hours from London, and well worth the trip !)
Dates : 16th.,23rd.,and 30th. March 2008 at 18.00
Entry : Sk 130 - a bargain, and cheap at twice that price......
Booking: 08 556 098 90 Book early to avoid disppointment.
You've heard much about the impressive Anna Larsson in her operatic and lieder genre application of the simsannabim breathing routine .....here's your chance to experience a world class cabaret artist, revealing how it works for another aspect of singing, accompanied by the equally talented - Erik Skarby - fantastic rapport..
Johan's brilliant rendering of a wide spectrum of generally unkown songs is always refreshing and absorbing - please support this modest and highly gifted entertainer - I'll be there on the 16th. March, laughing and crying, as usual, at the sentiments he awakens in me...
The factor which Anna Larsson and Johan have in common is the ability to touch the soul with their wonderful musical imagination - they raise your spirit on to a different level, well above the mundane. Every note and word is conveyed with a
rare sincerity that touches the heart - lucky we.....
To make sure you have the correct address for Anna's home page, here it is again - now let me get it right this time = www.annalarsson.nu
Johan's website = www.flahooley.se
Back to practical breathing hints - if you want to check your ribcage expansion, put a tape measure around the lower ribs, breathe out and shorten the tape comfortably and make a note of the measurement.
Then inhale through the nose and let the tape lengthen - now you have some idea what the ribcage is doing when you inhale but can't actually feel it. That is how I developed my breathing capacity as a young singer.
Originally, size 12, the expansion was two and a half inches, and progressed to about four inches over a period of years. Now, size 16 (ooops!)the measurement is five and a bit inches......this means that my lung capacity was well above average at the time of the fire accident some years ago, and medical specailists considered that to be the reason I survived such severe lung damage....

So, Dear Readers - as I always advise - k..p b.......g - tee hee......

Bear with me - Madanna ! re - www.annarlarsson.nu

Madanna ? Yes, those who know me well have given me this ( I hope affectionate nickname..)due to my "grasshopper" brain - change of subject mid-sentence for example, and over enthusiasm which produces some odd words when I write quickly without checking the text thoroughly - you've noticed..??
Take a deep breath Sims! Now - calm down, slowly and carefully write and check the screen - so far so godd - no, good - that's better...
How often do you, Dear Reader, accidentally brush over the touch pad and completely obliterate what has taken you several minutes to create? The trick is to find it again !! Like singing - so easy if you know how.....
Many times various singer's have said to me "That phrase is SO difficult, my singing teacher told me I'd have problems with it ". Really ? I dont think that is neccessarily so. My approach is somewhat different.
When I'VE been told something is difficult, I answered "Fine, and that's why I'm here, so that you can help me make it possible". ('Arrogant cow' I hear you think...) Of course, it might be IMPOSSIBLE e.g., for a coluratura soprano to sing Sarastro in the original key, but that is not because it is DIFFICULT!
Two emminent International singers were talking about the standard of singing among some of the participants at a Master Class they were giving.
"It's awful" said one, "none of these singers is very good, I mean they don't have much idea of what to do". "That's PRECISELY why they're here!" was the reply.
Happily the negative tutor was released from their contract, and there was another, similar occasion, to my knowledge ..... please don't be tempted to study a subject with someone who cannot inspire you, improve and develop your talents and interest.....
Am thinking of starting a "spot the mistake" prize section of the blog - just to see if YOU'RE paying attention .... yes,yes,yes, I am teasin' as usual....
Now we come to the "bear with me" part..In the "Megabreather" blog I mispelled Florence' surname, then my yoga gurus' name, she is Louise, not as writ. Anna Larssons' home page is at www.annalarsson.nu - an extra "r" had snuck in to that text...
Sometimes there is a confusion when writing a foreign language - better stick to the English "as she is spoke", and try to keep the spelling correct.....tut tut.....
Be happy breathers .. I think this mail is mistakeless ....pheeeeew....

Breathe whilst blogging ...!!!

Sooo !! This blogger is not connecting the brain with the air as efficiently as is necessary to energise the fingers on the keyboard - thus the digits wander on to the wrong keys on occasion, as mentioned in previous blogg !
Just to confirm this waywardness, trying to remember names and places can become tricky as the mind matures - or to put it bluntly - grows old ! Yesterday I wrote that "the real Anna " Larsson's singing teacher was Florence Desselius - my apologies to Anna and Florence - her surname was Duselius - an amazing lady who "sensed" the potential in Anna and has been proven absolutely right !
Maybe it's time for me to investigate how breathing might be able to assist memory retention - could it help to breathe deeply when trying to recall information - who knows ? Somehow I feel that is wishful thinking as brain cells deteriorate automatically as years advance - no quick fix here ..! Nowadays it can be difficult to remember where I put my spec's down - disastrous if I then sit on them .......ouch !
As K te K onced remarked "Oh, if only one could change the chip (in the brain) instead of having to meticulously memorise a new role ...."
Keep fit, eat well and healthily - I enjoy a weekly yoga session with Loiuse Hutchings; she encourages marvellous results for my ancient body, mainly with - BREATHING.....surprise,surprise ..!! - I took up yoga practise a couple of years ago , after many inactive years.
Today I actually balanced on one leg with the other raised behind me - you may think that not much of an achievement, but it's taken me TWO years to conquer my imbalance - how's that for determination ..?
Now what is it I have to remember to do whilst blogging -umm -aaah - Oh yeeees -KEEP BREATHING - 'bye for now....

Visit a "Megabreather" for inspiration......

So who is this "Megabreather" ? The first Swedish singer to take up my mini- breathing routine - the " REAL Anna Larsson "- I'm teasing.....
Why ? Because her home page is = www.annarlarsson.nu Not paying attention to detail one day, I typed .com - NOT .nu and up popped another Anna Larsson - try it and compare the difference ! .com annalarsson has exactly the kind of muscular development of the "six pack" which I think would be too much for a singer - maybe we should all get together and find out .....
From the first meeting with annalarsson.nu , it was clear that my advice was being absorbed and her beloved singing teacher, Florence Desellius, was in complete agreement with my ideas - she actually encouranged Anna to work with me as often as possible - and that is what has happened......
What a refreshing open minded learner - no questioning - "WHY should I do THAT ?" (To which I usually suggest you try it and find out ! Then I explain, if neccessary, why it works. )
Anna's instinct has always accepted the changes which certain physical movements activate into connecting her voice with breathing - that is a truly valuable gift, and is responsible for much of her success - dare I add....(Anna is far from a learner nowadays - a consummate creative artist on the cosmic level...!!!)
Most of us are not blessed with this facility, but we can all develop whatever talent we possess ,and really enjoy the art of singing........another pet subject - the - the ART of singing ......another day......
Have fun with your voice - laughter is one of the best breathing exercises..I speak from experience.......
Place hands on the lower rib cage, open the rib cage without breathing in - simply opening them will draw in about seven to ten seconds of air, preferably through the nose - all one needs for the average sung - or spoken phrase .
TRUST it... release the air through pursed lips very slowly as you let the ribs close in gently and naturally - you're well on the way to a life sustaining breathing technique - congratulations ....
k..p b.......ng.....

"RSJ" and "pillar" - the way I understand them......

In my last blog I questioned the use of the word "support", as it is used by singing teachers to encourage singers to "use your support".
The singer then asks "What IS my support ? " - "Well - I don't know, just use it" I've heard a teacher reply - not a very satisfactory answer. In fact, so negative that it creates insecurity in the singer - why mention something that you have no knowledge or experience of ?
Unfortunately an inexperienced singer does not realise that to continue studying with such an ignorant teacher will lead nowhere in the development of their talent. By the time they realise this, their love of singing has often been badly shaken, even killed, they go to another interest which will give restore their self esteem, and use of other gifts with which they are blessed.
With any luck they will begin to enjoy life again, but the emotional scars of the original disappointment can last a lifetime.
So, back to the support subject. For voice users their body is the instrument - no other has a built in human brain! Therefore, I consider the body to be the equivalent of a stringed instrument - the voice range usually detemined by an equivalent instrument - but NOT always so - their are exceptions to any rule.......
For instance, a coluratura soprano is the like a mini 1/4 violin; the lyric soprano, a standard violin; mezzo - soprano, a cello - and the contralto = double bass !!!Similar comparisons for male voices......always open to debate of course....

The "RSJ" is the strenght of the physique, and the "pillar" is - the body which energises the phonatory mechanism - simple as that ..!!!!
There is a series of gentle exercises that can activate all these elements without overbuilding the body - we don't need to be like Mr. or Miss Universe body builders who appear to be muscle bound - death to singing! Everthing must be flexible- and for me, pleasant in appearance....and sound........

So here we have some food for thought......keep breathing.......

The singing "teacher" say's - "Use your support".....

So what exactly is meant by "support" ? One imagines a "support" as being some kind of RSJ = rigid steel joist or a pillar.....hmmmmm.
Methinks that would be too much for the process of activating the tiny vocal folds !
Yet, that in essence, is exactly what many singing teachers advocate - too much air - fill both lungs "ad infinitum" to emit a few seconds sound.......baloney !
Does one fill the lungs with air to say "Have a nice day " ? NO, one say's "Have a nice day" without even thinking about "supporting" the phrase ....
At a very intense International conference of Ear, Nose and Throat specialists in London - the very persons who often undertake surgery, and therapy, for voice users who have developed nodules, polyps, etc., etc., and also attended by many singing teachers, one delegate asked the assembly "Can anyone explain the difference between speaking and singing" ?

I felt my right arm go up, and I expected to see a lot more raised by singing teachers....
Mine being the only one, I was obliged to answer the question, so I asked the assembly - "Can you all say 'Aaah' please?"
They dutifully obliged. "Now, say 'Ah' and hold it on for three seconds please " - and much to their surprise it worked,. - without them having filled their lungs as they might have done had I requested them to SING for three seconds. There was a stunned silence for a few seconds before the next item commenced.
I could sense some hostility from the singing teachers sitting near to me, and sure enough, during the luncheon break several bore down on me, one of them irrately exclaiming "How DARE you tell people that singing is so easy !!"
To which I replied "If you don't realise it IS "that easy" you shouldn't even be trying to teach use of the voice !" the which went down like a lead balloon ........
That's when I stopped attending such functions and concentrated my efforts into helping those who are interested in singing and just not making noises....
So, 'bye for now and as usual ...k..p b.......g .......

Excuse me! Did I hear you correctly ?

Enjoying a relaxed and rather polite dinner party some years ago, the host, a very distinguished international opera singer said quietly - as if to say "nice weather for the time of year" - " The problem with young singers nowadays is that they're all masturbators"........"Oh, really" I blurted out, dropping my fork and lower jaw at the same time .......
Noticing my incredulous expression, the host elucidated "I mean - they only want to please themselves..!" .......a wave of relief flowed over me.
Phew, my first thought had been "What does he know that I don't?"

That leads on to the subject which intrigues many , the sensuality of music, especially singing. Maria Callas was reputed to have said words to the effect that, by singing a passionate role she had no need of sex in her private life. Tragically, when she eventually discovered it, unfortunately her love life was the beginning of the end for her brilliant career.....

The ART of ACTING is essential for a performer - and imagination is the most valuable element. O.K., so we've all been through "the method" - being a tree, or a killer slug... Sadly, many performers cannot distinguish between "make-believe" and real life - they have to live their character 24 hours a day -booooooring..!
At a rehearsal in London's Royal Opera House, Placido Domingo was going full belt in a scene when the conductor stopped the orchestra. Placido immediately came out of character, calmly and quietly asked the maestro what he'd done wrong. "Oh, it wasn't you, one of the musicians was playing a wrong phrase".
They rehearsed the piece until the conductor was satisfied, and went on with Placido going at full tilt again - composure and patience are two more of the countless attributes essential for a successful and enjoyable career. One often wonders why a certain person is cast in a role when you know they don't have the best vocal facility. Ask the management and it's explained "Well, they always know their music, are pleasant to work with, punctual and reliable..."
For those reasons we may have missed some of the more exciting genius performers over the years .........how refreshing when true genius is matched - try and experience Anna Larsson, Swedish contralto, combined with Claudio Abbado, or more recently, Gustavo Dudamel.........maaaagic all round.......and all as charming and modest as you could wish for....keep breathing ......because they will leave you breathless...