Memories of "Moses"......

A regular reader was intrigued by a blog referring to some of my memorable moments in opera performances, and requested that I share some more of them. Today I was reading a magazine reviewing a current performance of "Moses and Aaron", by Schoenberg. Yes, I was in the Extra Chorus (freelance singers who take part in epic perforformances) for the Peter Hall/ John Bury production, conducted by Georg Solti at The Royal Opera House, London in the 1960's. It was quite an experience, with many a breathtaking scene! One of the most impressive was the opening of Act Two. The elders of the tribe, about twenty men, were placed across the stage in a large semi-circle. The curtain rose in complete darkness and from the stygian gloom came the WHISPERED sounds "Where is Moses, where is our leader, more than a month now since he was seen..." one of the most eerie moments I've experienced in theatre - you could have heard a pin drop... With virgins and animals being slaughtered left, right, and centre , and general sexual indulgence (simulated !! ) in the celebrated orgy scene, the house was always filled with production and secretarial staff when it was being rehearsed on stage......One thing that some found irksome by many of them, was that the sacrificial virgins, originally played by professional "strippers" who were paid handsomely for the privilege of baring all , and miming their vocal lines (the singers - all distinguished soloists, were hidden upstage of the "Golden Calf " statue, actually singing) were eventually made to cover their private parts after a rehearsal was attended by an official from the Lord Chamberlains' Office - he immediately banned the nudity. That was the function of the Government department at that time - to censor anything that was thought to be a corrupting influence, or lewd behaviour !! Several of the dancers said they would have been perfectly happy to go on "nude" if they'd known that, especially for the excessive fee ! The most breathless moment for me was being sat on a rock, downstage of a very large, wine filled oxskin - about thirty gallons (!), hanging on a crude wooden frame. An actor slashed the skin with a dagger - and I was deluged in a torrent of - diluted Ribena - a friut cordial for those who don't know it ! Yuk !! It's very sticky, and after each performance one had to shower thoroughly to remove that and all the other substances, including mock blood with which we were soaked during the scene, all very exciting ..... ! Our costumes and wigs were made to be laundered for every performance - what a messy job for the wardrobe dept..! I don't remember when the Lord Chamberlain's Office was abolished, but my, how things have changed......k..p b.......g .....

"Yodelo ho ho ! " is all the rage......

As I read Anna's (Larsson) blog from Vienna, which ended with "Jodelo ho ho " it brought to mind the day her husband Goran (Eliasson) played me a recording of Mary Schneider "Yodelling the classics " - if you want to brighten your day, look her up on You Tube - it's worth a guinea a minute to hear her "flicking" her voice about with such discernible ease ! The reason Goran had the recording was because he was singing at a "Viennese Evening" concert in which the programme included a yodelling song. (After the concert, a member of the audience had sent the clip to him) . Since Goran had never used the technique previously , we had much fun putting it into his repertoire, and he is great at it !! . He was surprised that I am a "closet yodeller", one of my secret accomplishments. "I think she sounds just like you Anna" quoth Goran - well I never ...! When I played it for Mariella, the gifted young Swedish soprano who is staying here and brushing up her breathing technique, we fell about with laughter - you try it and keep a straight face !!! Now it's Sunday evening and Anna has made her debut at the Vienna State Opera, with what I am sure is another major triumph - let's hope the performance has been recorded so that we can all enjoy it in due course now, and it be treasured into posterity.....congratulations Dear Erda......As dusk draws on, my resident blackbird is serenading us from a tree in the garden. Mariella and I are relaxing after a walk in the woods nearby......life has so many bonuses - Anna captivating the Viennese with her rich, warm, unique contralto, and Mr. Blackbird captivating us with his open throated lyricism - a blissful evening......and ethereal breathing all round .........Dear Readers - count your blessings ........and.......k..p b.......g.....

Prison - it takes your breath away ..!

You're not going to believe this - it has been reported that convicts are no longer interested in escaping from incarceration because they have such a "cushy" life behind bars !! Central heating, modern sanitary arrangements - no longer a tin bucket for slopping out, visits by prostitutes, good regular meals, health care , re-education (or the first in many cases) - in fact, a life style the envy of many who were the victims of some of the inmates ! Quite takes your breath away, doesn't it ! Yes, I am smiling as I write; in fact, it would be easy to become hysterical over the realisation that the removal of freedom for many "criminals" gives a far more civilized and enjoyable way of life than many of them have ever known - so the punishment IS successful in the social context - ironic, isn't it..? An even more unbelievable fact is that one drug dealer regularly BREAKS IN in to a prison, via a ladder conveniently placed in different parts of the building by his inmate customers.....and hasn't been apprehended yet - he's always one step ahead of the warders - it beggars belief ! Now we know why we have more prisoners in jail than any other European country, and running out of penal accomodation. It's always been understood that minor offences, which generate custodial sentences, are more prolific just before Christmas, and covers the New Year celebration period, but, at this rate it will be the norm in a few years for most of the population to reside in prison, judging by the increasing bankruptcy rate..! Let's hope there are enough workers generating the financial funding.......
So be good! Even with all the current advantages prison affords, I prefer my freedom to wander about the countryside, enjoying all the delights it provides, smelling new mown grass, breathing is sweet air perfumed by the spring blossoms, attending rehearsals and performances by my breathers, (and others) - and most of all, time to be with friends and relatives, be inspired by love of life, and meeting new and stimulating friends.......k..p b.......g.....

Inspiration, physical and spiritual.....

Yesterday I noticed in "The Rhyming Dictionary" the word "inspire" described as "give courage, animate, invigorate, create feeling and stimulus - guide by divine or supernatural inspiration..." It also adds "breathe in " ! All these words make one realise how much can be achieved by a simple breath, especially if emitted by a brilliant singer, actor or orator - and when it is pianissimo - very quiet- the atmosphere can be soothing or electrictrifying, strangely conflicting sensations - it just depends what is intended, and the tone of voice used. I remember an eminent speaker explaining that it is the intent which can be detemined by inflexion. For instance, if one screams angrily and with malevolence"I love you" it can put the fear of God into whomsoever it is addressed, or softly and sweetly caress the ear with "I hate you with all the venom in the world"- it is entirely lost if the listener does not understand the language! The speaker went on to say this experiment had been carried out with dogs and cats, of course they reacted to the tones - which is why composers can have a field day with our emotions without speaking a word.....those "squidgy sweet" harmonics in Richard Strauss' music, oh, how they churn up ones inner feelings - and Mahler at his most majestic - such pathos,
heart searching, joy - every emotion possible in his unique phrases. As I write this I know the golden voiced Lisa Larsson, recently the perfect Euridice to Anna Larssons' Orphee in Stockholm, is treating an audience in Orebro, to a feast of subtle toning and glorious phrasing, in a programme featuring both these great composers of magical vocal scores ......lucky Orebroans !On Saturday, as I've already mentioned in a previous blog, Anna will create yet another portrayal of Erda, in Vienna , which I'm sure will be spellbinding; this time Wagner will be displayed - I wonder how many performances of this role Anna has sung - must be something of a record .......? So we can all appreciate being inspired in every way by artistic creators. Thank your lucky stars to be alive in an age when much of this genius can be recorded for posterity, but whenever possible find the "live" performance recordings, much of the current technological enhancement removes the spontaneous creativity - boring, one of the disadvantages of modern electronic "pseudo perfection"...lamentable, but financially profitable to recording companies . The problem for me is that it produces un-inspired results - almost a futile endeavour methinks......no divine inspiration involved...alack, alas..... k..p b.......g....BE INSPIRED......

Singing naturally is too easy.......for some.....

Yes, it's true ! There is a common widespread concept that singing should be hard work judging from the problems many have to accept that it is not ! How's that for English logic..? Being a professional voice user, especially a singer, requires terrific discipline, especially in respect of keeping physically fit, but if the breathing is well controlled it is much less stressful. Speech problems are just as rife, and I've come across some very strange methods of "speaking" taught by speech therapists to victims with phonatory problems. (There is a technique developed for persons who have vocal fold damage , making gutteral grunts, not always helpful.....). Various ailments can precipitate such conditions, and it seems that breath control is not tried as a remedy to alleviate, and even restore comfortable phonation. Today I breathed with a tenor, who, when we managed to lower the air pressure under the vocal folds , and stopped his eyes and neck veins almost bursting (ouch) suddenly came out with the most glorious supported (but not pushed) tones without seeming to make any violent effort. This was great, as he is preparing "Morgenlich leuchtend in rosigem Schein" - Walther's Prize song from Wagner's "Die Meistersinger" for an audition - good luck. Once he'd found the gentle support physically, and imagined he was singing it to his little girl, the result was breathtaking - just like that ! He then sat down quietly, speechless, and gave me a very quizzical look ,eventually asking - "Is that really right - and that easy?" As he'd recorded it I asked him to listen to the voice in the machine - "I had no idea it was as good as that" he said, very relieved. It's not possible for me to describe the movements we used to connect the air and voice. Those who work regularly with me would probably agree with that it defies description, the lengths we go to to find out what each individual needs. As we ARE all different it is impossible to know, until we work out, what is neccessary to rediscover the simplicity of singing which most of us "lose" in the course of everyday life. We spend hours shedding preconceived ideas, and more frequently, bad habits picked up from my pet abhorrence - the so called "singing teacher" who has no clue about singing, but who keeps me very busy with their ex - victims, no names, no pack drill ....
k..p b.......g...and enjoy your singing....

Fresh air in the garden - mmmmmmmm

Yes, today I braved a session clearing up the garden, the first time this year, so it was a bit of a wilderness out there. The recent wind chill has been severe every time I felt the urge to fling some energy into pruning trees and shrubs, cutting the lawn and moving all the debris and leaves etc., which accumulated during my trips abroad over the past few months. This morning presented a "soft" spring day, perfect for tranquil manicuring of the wayward vegetation. Everything seems to have survived and the slugs and snails are not very active - yet ....... However, the plastic greenhouse and frame, having blown over in to my neighbours' garden - complete - one winters night, has been abandoned by me as a viable food producing unit. Unless one can tend to plants in it, on a daily basis, there is no point encouraging friut, etc., to flourish, only to let them die off through lack of water and t.l.c. (tender loving care..)aaaah...Think I'll use it as a little summer house for dainty teas on the lawn.....A constant companion whilst I'm pottering about in the garden is the most beautiful and blithe robin - he sits on the handle of the fork when I leave it sticking out of the ground, or chirrups whilst sitting on a pile of mown grass, then accompanies me down the lawn, flitting from branch to branch on the various fruit trees - true magic....luckily Shady, the cat does not enjoy gardening, just lounges on the swing seat - obviously robin does not feature on his menu - thank goodness for that ! He is a very well fed pooch (cat) and still thriving, although in his twenties.....! That makes him about the same age as me, I think? This morning I caught up with my yoga guru Louise again, and I must say, I think most people would benefit from this gentle exercise, especially as it is so exacting in the integration of breathing with movement - right up my street ! With that I leave you in the hope that you will always have good breathing, healthy lungs, and fresh air to make the most of it......'bye, 'bye..... k..p b.......g...

It's snowing ! In April.......? ?

No, of course it isn't - the wild cherry tree in my garden, twelve metres high, is shedding its blossom with fairy-like petal " snowflakes" on to a bright emerald green lawn, which is sadly in need of cutting - next little jobbet..... Yes, the spring surely is springing here, with miles and miles of brilliantly coloured flowers - mercifully being attended by bees. Some of the more adventurous are buzzing around my front door - why ? Because it sports a Chrome yellow paint job ! The poor bees must think it's a giant flower ! This house is situated alongside a recreation ground entitled "Velvet Lawn", and yesterday morning the usual football practise was played by local lads, breathing very loudly in order to fill the air with some explicit, and often non too polite instructions to their colleagues-----luckily the pupils were not at the two schools on the boundaries of the field, otherwise earplugs would be in order ! Somehow I don't think these lads would appreciate my inviting THEM to have a gentle breathe - "Not on your Nelly" would probably be their retort ! What that means exactly is unknown to me, it simply implies "No thankyou"..! Yes, I know Shakespeare was our greatest creative writer, with a treasury of magnificent words and expressions, regrettably not fully appreciated by most school children who are bored by uninspired teachers, and discouraged to read his plays at a very early age. My first interest was aroused in my early teens when I took a painting to be exhibited in London, and managed to attend a performance of "The Merchant of Venice" at the Old Vic Theatre, close to Waterloo Railway Station, on my way home - that experience was a revelation, to say the least. "Shylock "was played by Paul Rogers, and Claire Bloom was his daughter "Jessica". Until then I had never heard words expressed so incredibly, every nuance imaginatively formed - I find myself , to this day almost begging singers to use their voice as an actor does - singing is simply extended speech......and what a difference good breathing makes to the quality and variety of tones. Some of the finest operas have been set to Shakespeares creations and are still as potent as the day they were written, even when the staging is updated ! Glancing through a book of operatic anecdotes and "tall tales" I came across this gem :- in a performance of "Siegfried" (interesting that Wagner avoided Shakespeare !) in Manchester, 1976, Siegfried approached the prone Brunnhilde, expecting to hear the usual titter from the audience when he heroically removes the shield covering her, and declares "Das ist kein mann" - when he saw a note on her chest reading "DO NOT DISTURB, early morning tea 7.30 a.m." Yes, we English are totally absurd ......and often Phillistine.....tush, tush .....k..p b.......g....

What's in a name..?

We all have nicknames given to us by friends, and sometimes others bestow on us rather less complimentary titles, for various reasons. Having made a foray down south last week, to Fareham in Hampshire, from whence spring my roots, my sister and I took our brother, a mere seventy nine year old, to a health spa, where he was shaken up on a "plate" - it gives you a vibro massage from the feet up and is great for the joints. I must try it sometime, although going through my own breathing exercise routine probably delivers the same results....There was a poster on the wall inviting clients to "Come and get a beach bum" - I wasn't sure if that referred to a hunky young man until I saw the rest of the poster, sporting a very cute girls' rumpa = posterior! That reminded me of one of my favourite nicknames, which was in initial form - "B.B.I.T.B" , and before I explain, it is necessary for you to know that this was at a time when I looked rather good in a bikini- yes, some years ago...! The initials stood for "Best bottom in the business", - well, what about that? It still puts a smile on my face....and oooh, if only it were still true....wishful thinking. That brings to mind the outcome of passing years which comes to us all someday - depending on your years, you may recognise it .... that strange face that stares back at you when looking in the mirror, or a shop window..."Who IS that person who keeps staring at me - oh, my Lord - it's ...me"!! Once I was labelled a maverick - which is defined as, a strayed cow (!), unorthodox, or independent person - I'll leave you to choose the one that you think fits me - they are all relevent...especially the cow ..! Another, more complimentary title was "smoothy", given to me on a visit to Taiwan. It came about because I have very pale skin - and it's apparently more smooth than usual! Personally, I don't go round touching up peoples arms, but that is exactly what happened during that trip on several occasions. I was also considered tall - wow, I'd always thought of myself as a midget - how they would love my elegant, statuesque friend Anna Larsson !That versatile lady is now about to stun them in Vienna, at the opera, with a new version of Erda; today she was having fun relaxing with Axel and August, my favourite boys, basking in the glorious spring sun at a cafe...happy days.....k..p b.......g

Keeping clean and , and the fit..........

Watching a tv programme about the current Chinese schooling system, I was impressed by the emphasis given to keeping the body in good, healthy, working shape, and their environment clean. A friend, who hails from China, had always regailed me with his reminiscenses of physical exercises at the start of the school day, on the courtyard in front of the raised national flag. I'd always thought this was a practise which was no longer undertaken, but it is still the most important part of their education. Students also clean all the school facilities, including the toilets (!) from their first day at school.... Can you imagine the outrage of parents if that system were introduced here - apart from putting professional cleaners out of work it would be considered unhygienic. Apparently it encourages pupils to respect their surroundings because they know if they make a mess - their colleagues, or they, will have to clean it up - as you know, I think a good cleaner is one of the most useful and valuable members of the community, enough said ! As a company manager I was often obliged to suggest that a member of the company "take a bath, or shower" in consideration of their colleagues. One very famous actress was so smelly, she lost work because no one wanted to dress her! She was would wash once a week, then pile the make-up on her face each day, without removing what was already there - it was like a thick pancake by the end of the week, and literally cracked - she was short sighted and couldn't see it. Her eyelashes were so gummed up with mascara it was probably that which impaired her sight.!! It is impossible to restrict perspiration, especially in any highly charged rehearsal or performance, and unhealthy to do so, but it is usually easy enough to keep body and clothes clean without too much effort. I remember a very talented young man producer who was not selected for several good jobs. When I asked one of the management why they hadn't hired him, I was assured that no one would be able to stomach his body odour!! Once I had delicately and discreetly suggestd he start on a personal hygiene regime, he began what has been a very successful international career. Mercifully, since the removal of those diseased teeth from my mouth, I can look the world in the face without blasting them with foul air (unless I've been indulging in garlic laced fooood -oooh!). So, there you go..... What has all this to do with breathing ? Well, if you come across a "niffy" colleague, you'll probably restrict your inspiration as much as possible until you are out of sniffing range... That was one of the most subtle actions in Mats Eks' "Orphee" in Stockholm recently - in the Hades scene Orphee took out his handkerchief - and one automatically imagined the stench - what a powerful sensation imagination is ..... Mats and Ana are about to premiere their double bill at the Palais Garnier in Paris - good luck you to both. Having seen rehearsals I'm sure they will enjoy yet another major triumph ! 'bye, 'bye - k..p b.......g....and sweet smelling ...!

Don't sing - "talk" - and for heaven's sake breathe !!

Today I was breathing, in different sessions, with two talented young singers, a soprano, and a baritone. It does help, and is in fact ESSENTIAL, to establish a good technique before you embark on a singing career. The problem is that so few "singing teachers" understand this, mainly because they don't realise its importance, and sadly, are incapable of explaining the bare essentials, let alone demonstrate it ! Luckily my two singers are fully aware of the significance of not overloading the vocal folds with air, and I've touched on this subject in a previous blog - yes, I do have a "bee in my bonnet" about it - (we're back to bees again.....see yesterday's blog..) Today Eleanor, the soprano, was finding her way around the "Exaltate Jubilate" flourishes, and we calmed her brain down from the frenetic state which we all use initially, by allocating tiny amounts of air for each note, the doggy panting technique, and going through them fairly slowly. Having established the correct sequences notewise, the next step was rhythms, tempi and dynamics, connecting the breath specifically in each discipline . You really have to be dedicated to cope with all this. I remember spending many hours on such pursuits in my youth and, although frustating at the time, it has all paid if in the end and I find myself fortunate enough to be able to guide others in this refinement. If a piece doesn't work at a slow pace, it's not likely to at high speed if it's practised incorrectly - not always the rule of course. One of my most experienced singers spends time that most people would think of as excessive to perfect a piece - but that is exactly why they are a top international artist. There's nothing more scary than just hoping it will come out right "on the night".... Not being a quick learner, I always learned the more tricky sections first, to take away the fear element, we all have our priorities.....After Eleanor, who went away having found the secret of fast runs, Jonathan, the baritone was singing Italian repertoire (fabulously voice wise) but articulating the words with an English "mouth". What do I mean? Nice round hole, but with "dead" lips ! (I'm sure he won't mind me telling you this..x) That means, tight lips on the teeth, thus preventing the latter from vibrating - like muting a trumpet. This means that the text doesn't sound like Italian - and I teasingly told him I call that the "goldfish mouth", which brought peals of laughter from him! When he looked in the mirror he realised what I meant - then used the forward "lips kissing" movement (Ooooh!) - and, combined with minimal air, produced the most fabulous phrases - he was suitably surprised. The sound was tripled, and with the narrative quality engaged - it went into a new phase. We both let out whoops of delight - another stunning session - what a day - hope yours was as inspiring.....k..p b.......g....hope all's well in Vienna with the lovely boys and their "Erda" Mama...mega breather...you know who I mean....

London Marathon - a lot of heavy breathing !

Once again, the marathon attracted a vast entry - some 40,000 runners ! I wonder if anyone has calculated how much oxygen is inspired during this exhaustive physical undertaking? Personally I've never been interested in more than running for a bus, or chasing giggling children in fun games, so my congratulations go out to all those involved. As a charity event, it raises enormous amounts of funding for hundreds of good causes. The most unusual entrants this year were six young Masai tribesmen, dressed in brightly coloured, full hunting regalia, they looked gorgeous with big toothy (lucky they !) smiles, and happily pottered along, wielding shields and asegais, wearing cut down car tyre "shoes" which they explained are very comfortable ! They have never been away from home before. Their quest was to raise £60,000 for a project to sink wells for a water supply in their village - the nearest source is four hours away at present - and to think how much water we waste on a daily basis.... They exceeded their target amount, so, good luck to them and every success. Reading Anna's (Larsson) blog, I felt sympathy for little August and his fright with the "evil Tomtar" in Vienna - his is the lovely face I have as "wallpaper"( can you believe? ) in this laptop, Anna and I chose it as it is so adorable - grinning cheekily from ear to ear, with his fingers in his ears - looking like antlers, in a "na na nana na" pose.....aaaahhh - big hugs to him and Axel - and Mama and Papa tooooo, not forgetting Mussi - I miss you all, life is so quiet here. Apart from visiting breathers, the loudest sounds come from Shady, the cat - best baritone in the business. If only some people could project like him....Change of subject. When watching a programme about bees this evening I was reminded of the time I was taking Royal Jelly capsules regularly. After a while I discovered that fine dark hairs started to appear on my cheeks - yes, (just the same as hairy bees), it was all the rage a few years ago - can't think why now. Anna reminded me of this recently when a friend of hers bewailed the fact that her face was becoming hairy! Well, now you know how to achieve a hairy face ! (I stopped taking the capsules and the hairs disappeared eventually...not sure about Anna's friend...) The programme was concerned with the depletion of bees in the U.K and America, due to a parasite plague which is killing them off drastically, and an International disaster if it cannot be controlled. Another programme featured a synchronised swimmer of seventy one years, a champion in her youth, this lady is still brilliant at it. What is the secret of her continued success - "Good breathing" she announced. Her trainer for forty years is a lady of ninety one years "And you're still friends ?" asked the interviewer. "Of course - you can't teach anyone if you're not friends". Good Lord ......maybe we should all keep swimming......? Did you know that frogs breathe through their skin? Just another piece of useless information for your edification... with which I will sign off ....k..p b.......g

Typical April weather.....

Having recently been in Umea, Northern Sweden, to enjoy Goran's (Eliasson) finely portrayed and sung "Poet" at Norrlands Opera, where it was definitely chilly, and then "bouncing" almost directly to Paris and a much warmer temperature, I'm now enjoying the English spring - brilliant sunshine first thing in the morning and as the day progresses, sudden and frequent thunder storms and warm showers - never a dull moment. Driving around the local meandering country lanes I'm greeted by banks of brilliant yellow daffodils, hedgerows and trees alive with vivid green leaves of every hue, and primsoses, celandines, and crocuses sprouting along grass lined ditches - yes, everything is really springing into life - why is it always such a surprise every year ..! The season starts later in Sweden, and I find it charming that twigs and small branches are decorated with brightly coloured soft "down" feathers as Easter decorations.... We are spoiled for choice here with our myriad wild flowers - often referred to as weeds when in a "cultivated" garden. As mine is rather natural I enjoy the native species, and dandelions are magnificent, especially in masses on grass verges alongside roads, like great yellow Dutch patterned carpets. Now I fully understand why flower shops are so busy in Stockholm as they have quite a limited season. Anna (Larsson) and I visited a very innovative lady flower arranger, Olivera I think is her name, at her fascinating shop, "Gullvivan" - (could that mean primrose?) on Lidingo, Stockholm. With her talented assistant she creates the most dazzling floral displays and bouquets - and we have a date for her to.... guess what? Yes - breathe ! The habit of efficient breathing is catching on in the most unlikely places - Glory be! It brings to mind a song, of which I change the words slightly - "I want to teach the world to breathe in perfect harmony" - if only that were the key to universal peace..... At least it works for most of my "regular" breathers.... Of whom, Anna L is the most experienced, and about to embark on another version of "Erda", this time in Vienna - her Euridice from the recent "Orphee" in Stockholm - Lisa Larsson, was there last week - they do get around these girls !! Toi toi toi Anna, I know you'll keep breathing wondrously....and I wish you all the same ......

Change of air...in Hertfordshire.....relaxing at home

After all the excitement and adrenalin "rushes" over the past few weeks, one can't expect to stay on a normal level of life when in the company of such illustrious artists as I'm privileged to breathe, and live with !! So yesterday and today I've been "running down" the energy levels in order to recharge for the next series - it goes in cycles, and it is neccesary to REST and recuperate if you are to survive in such a highly charged occupation. This applies to everyone in the performing arts, technicians, management, artists, musicians, etc. etc., otherwise we simply - burn out. Oh yes, it happened to me when I thought I was infallible; the jolly old ego urging one on, feeling good about the quality of one's performance - sheer, blind enthusiasm and loving every minute of this "cloud cuckoo" profession ! It knocks spots off a mundane, boring day to day existence, and one is so lucky to be part of it, but try not to be carried away by the sense of elation - easier said than done. If you are blessed with a good and trusted friend , take note of it when they quietly, and sometimes hesitatingly, suggest that you should "slow down a bit". They can see from the outside what is not obvious from the inside, so try not to retort "Mind your own business, I know what I'm doing!" It's obvious to them that you don't ! The pressure of overlong rehearsals without adequate breaks and regular nourishing meals, grumpy colleagues, etc., is very debilitating as we all suffer from tiredness, and can become short tempered to much the same degree. As soon as one becomes uncivil is the time to stop and go out of the building, have a nice walk or anything that will "clear the air" - here we go - it's all about the air in one way or another - ! YES - a few deep breaths of good clean oxygen can make a world of difference. A modern problem is where to find nice clean air - one college of music has it's air conditioning intake in - the underground garage - nice one !!!My German tutor, whom I always met late afternoon at the London Opera Centre, usually said before we started "Darling, please go outside and breathe - your brain is dead !" -and it was ....I would take a walk along the embankment of the River Thames, then return refreshed - I don't think it improved my German, but I felt a lot better ! So please try to take it easy and don't exhaust youself or OVER execise. One young man had "knackered both his knees, and one hip , working out at gym, before he was twenty five years old - ouch...! Respect your body, you only have the one original. Must stop now as my ancient eyes are rather tired, and you all know how unreliable they are at checking text at the best of times......nighty night - k..p b.......g ....zzzzzzzzzzz..

Anna's tribute to Abbado......wonderful....

Hello dear readers, I was fortunate enough to have met the exceptionally gifted Swedish contralto, Anna (Larsson)in 1992, at the Stockholm Opera High School. I distinctly remember people being surprised at my excitement over this vocal "find". In England we revere this very rare voice type, and have had some very fine singers in this range over the years. The problem these days is that either mezzo - soprano's are forced down artificially, or contralto's are "transported" up - why can't they simply be left alone to develop in their original range ??? With Anna, the potential was instantly recognisable, and mercifully her gifted, beloved singing teacher, Florence Duselius, understood that my breathing routine could benefit Anna, beyond what she herself could give her, as she knew what the consequence might be without it. (You notice how often the word "gift" is used in connection with talent - never abuse your gifts...just thank God you are blessed with them.... they do not make one any better than others, just luckier...be thankful .... So, Anna and I started breathing "seriously" (!) to develop her unique voice - I'd never heard one like it before, in life, or on recordings - and still haven't ! Then came the time when Anna sang wonderfully in the Nobel Prize concert in Stockholm City Hall - such a glittering occasion. Her colleagues were the golden voiced Hillevi (Martinpelto) soprano, Jonas Degerfield, tenor, and Peter Mattei, baritone - what a line-up, and all of whom I had met at the Operahogskolan, in Stockholm. In an excerpt from "Samson and Delilah" Anna sang ravishingly, and looked magnificent,in the beautiful aria "Mon coeur s'ouvre a ta voix" - graciously , seductively and slowly descending the grand staircase, never looking down (amazing), and with such charisma, flanked on either side by exotically adorned ,gorgeous young men, bare chested - oooh, it still takes my breath away -aaaah !! It was such an enchanting performance, and unbelievable in one so young - that "presence" quality cannot be taught - "either yo' godditt, or you ain't" as one American singer once said to me...! and, by George, she goddit !! and how !! Claudio (Abbado) saw the performance on t.v. and that's when it all "took off" as Anna explains in her blog - hence her sincerely touching and lovely tribute to him - God bless you Claudio....My first experience of meeting him was when K. te K. invited me to "pop over for tea" at her house in Surrey, on my way to London from Chichester Festival Theatre, Sussex, in the 1970's. When I arrived champagne was being served - at teatime !?? There were just seven of us present, and when I was ushed into the lounge - there was the illustrious - Claudio, wife and two children ! To say I was surprised would be the understatement of the decade the jaw dropped !! We had a lovely tea/champagne party, and later, when I ased Kiri why she had done that, she said "I just wanted to see the expression on your face - it was worth a million dollars...." Yes, she does have a wonderful sense of humour, quite "wicked" sometimes too... that was another fascinating experience for me... Now we all await Anna's "Delilah" at Operan next season in Stockholm - after Erda in Vienna, and Aix en Provence - such a versatile, enigmatic lady - you lucky Swedes - here's hoping we can see her on the boards in London soooooooooon.... k..p b.......g....love to you alllll...'speshly La La Larsson......

Thinking of Breathers at Kulturama, Stockholm.....

Dear Readers - just home from Paris and the Palais Garnier, I was brought down to earth by Anna's (Larsson) blog this evening - to our lovely young singers at the other end of our endeavours - hopefully inspiring them to the life of a profesional singer, enjoying the fruits of their studies... It's worth the effort to develop your gifts, and please don't be downhearted at the time it takes to train your disciplines - I'M still learning, it never ends ! As I explained to one puzzled tenor, when he said he thought he'd really "cracked it" - meaning the use of his wonderful voice . "Yes, you have - and now we go on to another higher level..!!" I replied... 'tis true, all the finest singers I've ever met said they never stopped learning, and when one is at the peak of their excellence - it all becomes much easier and simpler. So keep the mind open, if something feels wrong it usually is, although it's not always believable how easy it is to sing when it's "right". Rely on your instinct more than intellect in the matter of phonation, stop "listening" and keep creating - toi, toi, toi to you all - and you know whom I mean - puss, puss, kram, kram = kiss, kiss, hug, hug for any non - Swedish readers . And most of all -k..p b.......g

Les Halles and Chatalet - vast underground maze!

Yesterday Rosalind and I spent a relaxing day exploring around the Les Halle area and I found myself quite breathless on several occasions because of being in such a breathtaking city. We roundedoff the day seeing the new film about the Boleyn sisters and Henry 8th. - most intriguing, brilliantly cast and magnificently filmed - oh, those costumes... My last visit to Paris was a few years ago, to be with Adrianne Pieczonke, the Canadian soprano, for a Verdi Requiem at The Stade de France - laser projections, vast choir and orchestra on circular revolving stage - mind boggling, and at the same time spiritually uplifting - woooow. Earlier, in the mid seventies I was at the Palais Garnier with K.te K. when she sang in "Cosi fan Tutte", and I was rehearsing the same opera, which we took to the Dordogne area eventually, and played it "al fresco" in the grounds of an old castle - what a rich and varied life one leads in the cause of Opera !! That's why I don't consider my occupation as work but an extended holiday, or being paid to indulge in my favourite hobbies ....it can't be much better than that.....Today is the General Dress rehearsal of the double bill, "Le Prisonnier" in which Rosalind plays the tormented Mother- toi,toi,toi, and Dale Duesing - you'd have to see him to believe it- a "drag" outfit a la Marilyn /Monro for the Schoenberg "Ode to Napolean" - incredible "sing/spiel" technique par excellence - an interesting pairing....The performances are at 20.00, so I was taken around the Garnier by various members of staff to the museum, and "props" dept., one of my favourite haunts, having spent much time in that dept. for various companies - my speciality was sculpting statues and monsters, and making anything else required.! Whilst at Glyndebourne I also restored beautiful antiques, staying in the manor house with George and Mary Christie - those were the days, eating smoked salmon sandwiches, on comfy sofa, by log fire in stimulating cosmopolitan company - such glorious memories - and they're still being created...who'd have thought I'd be here in Paris now...better to be born lucky than rich they say ..... !!! So you never know what will turn up next - for me a trip to Zurich in June, (with hopefully) Stockholm in between ..happy days ...k..p b.......g....Dear Readers.....

Basilique du Sacre-Coeur de Montmartre

Today Rosalind and I walked up the hill to the Cathedral, packed with pilgrims from every corner of the world. There was such peace and tranquilty there: I lit candles and said a prayer for peace in the world, and the protection, health and prosperity of family and friends..... It's only about ten minutes walk from the apartment, and I managed to reach it with remarkable ease by using my "stairclimbing" technique - breathe in very slowly, through the nose, on each step, then out very slowly through the mouth - no huffing and puffing in and out through the mouth - that actually makes one breathless, and very dry in the throat. My first discovery of this method was when visiting a friend in Berlin, just after recovering from the almost fatal fire accident, and it "came to me" out of a survival instinct, to climb one hundred and thirty stairs to their flat. Strange how an idea "pops into the mind" without any intellectual input - very useful .....We then went in to the village of Montmartre where we partook of delicious onion soup, then went out gazed at the vast panorama of the city. The enormous Palais Garnier was minute from this vantage point, and the Eiffel Tower looked like model ! After this relaxing walkabout, we ended up at the Opera House to - yes, have a breathe! Rosalind found some exquisitely lovely pianissimo phrases and we returned to the apartment. This evening we're about to watch "The Green Card" dvd, a comedy to end a very serene day. Tomorrow is the pre - general rehearsal of "The Prisoner" at the Opera. Its story is originally set at the time of the Spanish Inquisition, but it is, as usual these days, updated, giving the designer much scope with a fantastic set, motorised walkways, and a treadmill on which Rosalind is seen tramping labouriously on the downstage edge of the scene - it's tricky as it's not very wide and she is wearing heavy men's boots - and singing and acting - what an amazing lady ! To be a successful singer these days one has to be more versatile than ever before - a couple of weeks ago I was watching Anna Larsson falling spectacularly from the above the scenery, turning over in slow motion, down to Hades as Orphee - phew !! In this production, a prisoner is dropped down, head first, hanging by the ankles and almost hitting the stage - only to be flung violently between other prisoners who beat and kick him senseless - oooh, the realism turns your stomach....and can make one stop breathing momentarily - but I hope you're all keeping the lungs moving .....more about this soon... k..p b.......g

Paris in the spring .......ooooh, and Dalapicollo!

Yes, here I am, staying in a most elegant flat, ten minutes walk from The Palais Garnier with my hostess, the distinguished English singer - Rosalind Plowright. After depositing my things here, we went straight to the theatre for her rehearsal of "Il Prigionero". During our usual breathing routine, we were treated to the strains of several gentlemen "ploughing" relentlessly through their scales in other dressing rooms (ouch - my unfavourite sounds !) Rosalind then went on stage and sang like a dream - unbelievable artistry, characterisation - and "pinged" the Mamma role to perfection, text and voice in great form. During this rehearsal a familiar voice sounded out of the dark auditorium - very airy and immediately recognisable as - Alessandro - the stage director I'd met last summer in the impressive new Valencia Opera House - (when I was there for Anna Larsson's remarkable "elevated" Fricka) surprise, surprise ! Rosalind said that he's the one who has organised my security pass, but he hadn't realised it was for me, as he didn't know my surname - so did he have a surprise too - much hugging and rejoicing as you can imagine. Earlier I was introduced to Rosalinds' son (in the opera), a tenor, and he reminded me that we had met several years ago when he was a member of Malmo Opera - small world...worked there during the preparation of "Kristina fran Duvemala", the Abba musical, among other pieces.....happy days... Peter Joback is a very efficient breather with my routine ... yes, it works for all musical disciplines .... Rosalind and I walked back to the flat, sniffing blossoms of the many shrubs along the way - well, we are English after all and can't resist their fragrances - it's all to do with breathing in gently and awakening the perfume sensors in the brain ..mmmmm... k..p b.......g.. I wonder who might turn up tomorrow .....

Sleeping in ones' own bed ......

It's always nice to come home and sleep in the old favourite bed - it seems to have all the correct contours for the body, lumps 'n bumps 'n all.....and it's warm enough here to have the window open - mmmmmm oxygen unlimited. As I mentioned in an earlier blog, air conditioning and sealed buildings are not too good for the breathing system - sometimes too hot, or the opposite... In Sweden it's often too cold in the winter to have a window open, and I usually feel like a dried prune in the morning, and beginning to look like one...!. Nevertheless I really love it there and feel like an "honarary" Swede after so many years visiting there. Another bonus of being at home is to play with Shady, K te K's old moggy (cat) Shady. He has a black coat, soft and silky, and just sprouted a pure white whisker (!), purrs like an old opera singer - not surprising considering his history . He has heard almost nothing but opera during his life, originally in Surrey, but he retired to Hertfordshire when K.te K. moved. He's now in his twenties - "Must be all that t.l.c (tender loving care) he's enjoying!" according to her....Occasionaly he snores - such a pretty little sound, starting on a high note and glissanding down to baritone - always makes me giggle - such even breathing too....Must say I miss all those lovely friends in Sweden, especially Axel and August, ah me, I hope it won't be too long before we have loving hugs again.....k..p b.......g...I'm off to Paris tomorrow ..wheeeeee!

A new phase of International breathing !!

Much to my surprise I find myself on a roll, breathing with distinguished singers all over the place - first it was Anna Larsson in "Orphee" at Stockholm Royal Opera, then Goran Eliasson in "The Prince and the Prophetess" with Norrlands Opera, Umea, northern Sweden. On 4th. April I go to Paris for Rosalind Plowright in the Dallapicolo piece at the Palais Garnier,(magnificent house, some years since I worked there) then , in June, to Zurich, Switzerland, for Lisa Larsson - it's my 75th. Birthday on April 5th. - choice time to embark on such an exciting new career... it's never too late to breathe unless you stop it.......just jokin'....Before leaving Stockholm this morning I went for a walk in the woods, by the harbour, with Anna and Suzanne, her neighbour, and their two dachshunds, Mussi and Nissi. A beautiful morning with warm haze across the water - a lovely memory to keep of my stay ....Must go to bed and refresh myself for the French experience - Paris in the spring ...aaaaaaahhh...a different air for the lungs to enjoy....k..p b.......g....If I don't manage to set this machine up , you won't "hear" from me until after the 9th. April...we'll seeeeee...

Waiting to breathe .....officially !

Still a little bleary eyed from the loss of one hour to summertime, I thought I'd kill some (time, that is !) whilst waiting to go for a breathe with an interested singer - a gifted tenor who lives nearby - so many tenors around here - it must be the air....?!! Earlier, I was climbing up into the 4 x 4 to drive Anna L wih the boys, to school and dagi's (? spelling ?) when one of the builders renovating the house remarked "Aren't you a bit small to be driving such a big vehicle ?" So of course, I had to tell him that when I was working with an opera company in the U.K. some years ago, I was a singer AND stage director - two for the price of one ! A regulation was that anyone on stage management had to be able to drive the large lorry transporting the costumes, scenery, lighting, etc., etc., so I became a qualified H.G.V. (heavy goods vehicle) driver - a wonderful experience. Whenever we wanted to get through a town quickly, I'd put on my choicest mini-skirted dress - even the police traffic controllers would let us through with a look of "Oh God, a woman driver", and we'd shoot through unhindered ! In my youth I was a Rally Driver with a friend whose Father had the Bristol car franchise and we were allowed to try them out - greeeat cars, similar to Saab, built by aero engineers...Now you're finding out some of my choicest secrets - never assume -- remember.....k..p b g... x I've not checked the text, watch out for fumble finger mistakes ...!