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...