"Best Breathers" are getting about.......N.Y....

It's becoming more frequent that some of my brilliant breathers are 'homing in' on New York - Rosalind P., Anna L. and now Hillevi M., in the space of a few months - woooow ! Several others have already been there, and more are destined to join them... it makes all the hard, intensive training worthwhile - 'bless you all for your faith and patience - the latter being MOST relevant. (Someone aked me why I don't mention many men - that's because most of them don't wish me to as it would upset their singing teacher - s'true - O.K. ?!) Goran (Eliasson) is a notable, brilliant, exception; he is in magnificent voice in all vocal aspects. What I find interesting is that some who have tried the simple little breathing routine once or twice, did not feel any immediate improvement in their vocal delivery. It would be a miracle if they did so; only your intuition, or that of your teacher, can detect it's value. I usually explain that it is a two year plan to perfectly synchronise the complex gentle, physical and mental connections necessary to activate perfect phonation, if one has lost their natural, God given ability. This has usually been caused by tuition from a person who had, or has, no idea of how to achieve it - sadly, failed singers and voice coach pianists ....ooops.. I hasten to add that there are, mercifully, several NOT in that category...On one occasion I was invited to prepare some of my clients to sing at an International conference, to illustrate the difference between air supported vocalisation and the prevailing fashion of - 'head down, gutteral' noises, and the "no breath control - 'Don't worry Darling, it will just happen' school" !(!!) but was prevented by a self styled 'holistic' singing teacher (who had attended half a voice workshop I gave, but obviously didn't understand anything...), then reported to the organising management that my approach was too simplistic and I'd, "sound very stupid in front of a group of E.N.T. (ear, nose and throat) Specialist surgeons, physio's, voice and speech therapists, singing teachers, etc.". When this was related to me, fairly delicately in a 'phone call, I replied that it was the best compliment I'd ever been paid in that it debunked all the obsessive concentration with sometimes violent overactivation of the cricoids - anterior and posterior, raising and lowering the larynx artificially, touching your chin with the tip of your tongue - ouch - lowering the top lip over top teeth to raise the soft palate ( WHAAAAT?) etc., etc., with the all too often unpleasant oral results and tissue damage - which then conjoin original problems ... Oh, poor Dears ... Much of my help is in leading them back to their original talent, but it is a journey of mutual trust and time ...The problem is that one has no idea of the outcome from new ideas, ever - 'tis a puzzlement.... Which is why I'm kept active....and considered 'wierd' by many..Oooh yes, some people have no hesitation in telling me so! Of course I'm wierd - however else would I have the ability to hear what many others can't ? Really !! Some people are so naive - that is a compliment, not insult !!! Yes, I'm sure you can hear me laughing heartily, but it's truuue.... just hope I can go on for some time 'connecting' a lot more very fine singers who can develop their true potential...Incidently, you don't have to have a problem with your singing to develop the breathing technique and vocal colours, dynamics etc. - things are looking good at the moment...so,
k..p b.......g and find new aspects of excellence...it's never too late to learn, I do it every day... X

Mostly Mozart - Barbican, London 26/07/08

Thank heaven for Hillevi and her impressive breathing - perfect for her beautiful vocal delivery of Mozart's intriguing and complex character "Vitellia", in "La Clemenza di Tito" last evening. Her aria's were highlights of a very enjoyable performance. The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightment were in good form too, conducted sensitively by Edward Gardner so that we could hear every note from the singers...quite a rarity....oooow ! Of course, the pitch is fractionally lower with original scoring, so I was really impressed when Hillevi was singing in the 'bass' area more familiar to Anna (Larsson) - but then Anna was amazing in 'Hillevi soprano territory' for "Orfee" - remember.....? That is what I find most interesting about the breathing technique they are both well practised in, and experienced with - it allows the singer to go well beyond the usually accepted voice ranges - good, isn't it ?!! Back to the Barbican - it was most noticable that Hillevi was the only soloist using air effectively - even my neighbour in the audience remarked on the fact that she had a much bigger selection of colours, dynamics, cadenza's and extended phrases - glorious - a singing lesson for all! The chorus, from Clare College, Cambridge, aquitted themselves perfectly - with an interesting 'mixed' seating plan - and sang naturally in the style of the period. Anna is currently in The Big Apple - (New York for the unenlightened), about to give them the pleasure of her immaculate intepretation of "Das lied von der Erda" - lucky they....It's boiling hot here in Berko - no need to go to Spain...phew.... quite hard work just breathing ....but please do .....k..p b.......g..

"MAAAAMMA MEEEAIIIIIA" - WOW - talk about swiiiingin'.. 'n singin' ..'n dancin'...!!

Yesterday Hillevi and I had a delicious Indian luncheon in a restaurant opposite the stage door of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London - a delicious meal, fully recommended if your taste buds are tickled by specialities from the orient.....yummy... We than trolled up Charing Cross Road to Foyles bookshop and had a browse around, finding interesting books successfully. Lurking around Soho in Dean Street, home of International Film Distributors, I asked Hillevi if she'd seen the new screening of "Mamma Mia". "No, why don't we go now ?" she replied. As we were only a few minutes away from Leicester Square it seemed like a good idea, and that's how we found ourselves in the Odeon cinema, unexpectedly indulging in the amazing experience of this brilliant piece of Bjorn and Benny creative genius! Their music has always been a pleasure for me, and I know so many of the scores from working over a number of years in Aland, Finland, at Medi's, and Summer Schools in Mariehamn. Such happy, joyful days with Asa Isaaksson and the Andersson sisters, Nina and Anita - and a wealth of gifted artists....The 'M.M' scenario - incredibly - works, thanks to the imaginative playwright Catherine Johnson, and especially when you consider that the songs were not written with a specific story line - such is their incredible variety of human emotion - a miracle really.... The production is well known on stage, although I've not seen that, but as a film the possibilities are endless and have been fully exploited - the dance routines are foot tappingly tempting - I was dying to join in ! The same goes for the songs - and many were singing along in the audience - wonderful. Basically I found myself grinning like a Cheshire cat most of the time - and then there's the breathtaking singing ! What a relief to hear human beings just using their natural voices to "put the songs over" , it all rang so true and sincere - it will probably rank as an all time favourite along with "The Sound of Music". No, don't shudder and be a snob about entertainment that appeals to the general public - they keep the music profession alive...!! Apart from the sheer enthusiasm oozing from everyone, there are several poignant scenes - a touching duo head to head close-up with Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfried brought tears welling up - and the dazzling "Winner takes it all" rendition by Meryl - Oscar winning stuff - Hillevi passed me a large tissue as I blurbed (quietly) through it - such power of emotion......All the actors are so well cast - seeing Julie Walters, and remembering her as 'Mrs. Overall' in 'Acorn Antiques', etc., etc., - she's mind blowing ....This show must be a great boost to the artistic heritage of Sweden - my second home - I'll be there soon for the 'Delilah' of Awesome Anna --(yes, the Larsson Anna) - can't wait .... k..p b.......g...

Shady - 'purring moggy' breather....

Anyone who's breathed with me here, at home, in the U.K., will be very familiar with Shady, Kiri's dear old 'Heinz 59 variety' cat. That simply means he's not a pedigree breed and is now into his dotage - just like moi ! As you know, I always marvel at the volume of his catty baritone voice - he really likes to join in with several of my wonderfully gifted singers , 'though I've not managed to teach him to sing in harmony, or even tune! Which is more than can be said of the singing parrots which you can 'beam up' on line, singing opera (sent to me by Rosalind P - cheeky !)- I especially like the one squawking 'The Queen of the Night' from 'The Magic Flute' - poor Mozart...must be revolving in his grave, where e're that may be.... There are singing cats too... Back to Shady. His gentle breathing, cute ribcage undulation and contented purring are very soothing - and as far as I know the latter can't be explained by any expert - maybe it's a feline version of trilling on one note, copied by Baroque composers...Although he's in good health for his years, my furry friend is not eating as heartily now that he is sleeping more than 'hunting' in the garden, and beginning to lose weight. He is not as active in his tree climbing activities either - only up to six feet instead of ten - still a major achievement as far as I'm concerned! He's altogether slower generally, and it seems to be more of an effort to climb the stairs; his haunches (hips) are weakening - which reminds me that several people, who also find it tricky due to maturity and various physical discomforts, have asked for my advice on the subject. Of course, breathing is a vital part of bodily function, and if not regulated correctly can be disastrous, as I'm sure you all know. One of the most common symptoms is ascending stairs when the knees, or back, are sore or just weaker. My advice - and it sounds very odd, is to go up backwards, using a bannister rail, and a friends' arm whenever possible! A walking stick can be used if you don't have a person to help. The same applies on the downward journey - awkward but effective - I found this out on a visit to a friend, living up 165 stairs in a Berlin flat some years ago, before my exercises cured a slipped disc in the lumbar region of my back, just take care. Whilst going through this routine, breathe in deliberately slowly through the nose with lips closed, and out slowly through pursed lips - this makes the whole process less exhausting. If you have nasal problems you'll be forced to inhale through the mouth, but this really dries the throat, so be careful. If you have any particular breathing problem, get in touch - and maybe it can be sorted out - 'til then, as efficiently as is possible for you - k..p b.......g...

Remarkable Rosalind ..!

Hello there - who is this "Remarkable Rosalind" ? None other than Miss Plowright, O.B.E, the iconic English singer who has treated the world to her exceptional individual talents for some time, and goes on apace, unabated - THAT'S the remarkable part ! Driving down to 'have a breathe' at her charming, lightfilled and inspiring family home in Salisbury, I marvelled at the route of the ancient A30, originally built by our Italian conquerors from Rome all those years ago, and accessed on this occasion from the M3 at Micheldever. Whizzing off across country in the typical Roman straight (almost) road, I found myself "yippeeing" at the crest of every hill, in anticipation of the adrenilin flow of gravitational descent - quite difficult to keep within the speed limit sometimes, but necessary due to hidden cameras to catch speed enthusiasts....in my youth there was no such thing and, riding pillion on boyfriends' motor bikes, I was renowned for the habit of singing very high notes at top speed 'over the hills and faraway' in Hampshire....enough of that. It's Rosalind who is surprising me with her incredible appetite for performances, and although having down-sized in roles - her drive, passion and commitment for the job in hand is - yes, breathtaking, truly. Where she finds the energy and focus is a mystery to me, but that, of course, is what makes her the great artist we all admire - and she is an unintentional scene stealer....hmmmm. The attention to detail in perfecting phrases, voice tone colours and dynamics would deter many an artist, but which is why she is still 'at the top' with her magnetic interpretations. When she invited me to join her in Paris last April at La Garnier, I realised that she is endowed with 'the humility of the great', a quality which has been described as a person who understands that being talented/gifted does not make them any better than anyone else - just luckier . Yes, I have mentioned this in an ealier blog....As her companion I was treated with great respect and 'spoiled rotten' by the staff at the theatre - Rosalind is a living legend for them, and 'bless her, she fobs it all off as being in my imagination - but it's truuuue. The fire accident which almost killed me was, in fact, a blessing in disguise. Without that I would not now be privileged to know all the wonderful artists I help with their breathing. So, k..p b.......g please, all of you ...!!

Heavenly Hillevi....26/07/08, 19.00 - Barbican, London, U.K.

The good news is that, anyone who is able to make it to the Barbican Concert Hall, London, U.K., on Saturday 26th. July 2008, will have the opportunity to enjoy an inspiring experience - hearing Hillevi Martinpelto, Hovsangerska - (Swedish equivalent of Dame), the distinguished Swedish soprano of the golden, mellifluous voice, and incredible legato 'line', creating the role of Vitellia in Mozart's brilliant work, "La Clemenza di Tito". For details see = www.barbican.org.uk/music You've probably heard Anna Larsson, the 'real' contralto, also from Sweden, weaving her vocal spells in the deepest female voice range I've ever known in life - WOW - (and it's just as impressive at the top !). Now you can hear how the 'Simsannabim' breathing routine gives the singer complete vocal and breathing control and artistic freedom for a higher voice. Lucky, lucky me with such prolifically talented singers to 'guide' - and there are so many more of you gorgeous beings....Hillevi is a delightful, 'bubbly' character, full of warmth, which comes over in her vocal delivery and presence - we have a lot of fun finding new ways of extracting that beautiful voice - anyone who works with me will know what a range of connections can be made in the most unlikely ways ...the mind boggles...Hillevi, like Anna, had a singing teacher who appreciated what my breathing connection can give to a singer that does not interfere with their teaching, only enhances the ability of the singer to achieve what they, the singing teacher, are striving for - confidence and peace of mind, so that performances are enjoyable to both singer and listener, in fact, everyone concerned... When singing Fiordiligi in the Queen Elisabeth Hall, London, with Sir Simon Rattle and The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Hillevi 'stopped the show' with her stunning rendition of 'Per pieta' - it really was breathtaking and received the appropriate ovation. The same orchestra - 'T.O.o.t.A.o.E' will be accompanying a most distinguished cast on the 26 th.July - see you there....? Toi, toi, toi Hillevi ....k..p b.......g.X

Abba - nice memories....

Bet you wouldn't think I had any connection with that brilliant Swedish group, would you ? Believe it or not, I was always a fan of theirs, then most amazed and honoured to be invited to work at Malmo Music Theatre with the cast of 'Kristina fran Duvemala', music and lyrics created by Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson, based on a story of the same name (look it up on You Tube), before it premiered in 1996. How did I become involved ? Lars Rudolfsson was the Director, and I had worked for the Opera Department earlier, happily breathing away in that lovely clean city with a fine group of singers, musicians, and staff - we had such a lot of fun... Why was I there for 'Kristina' ? Lars called me in England and requested me to take myself over to Malmo as soon as possible because ' I have this cast of music theatre singers, who are radio miked, but trying to compete with the large orchestra - can you come and sort them out please ' ? Well - I don't think I've ever arranged anything so fast in my life and was there almost "like a shot". Ooooh how pleased I was to be free to take on that assignment, talk about luck.... It's essential in showbiz - and being available in the right place at the right time - as you all know....On arrival I was given a long list of artists and a punishing schedule - so much to achieve in so short a time - about 20 days to the premiere, phew...! We started with a mass 'breathe in' for anyone in the company who was interested - that was when I discovered many musicians have no consolidated breathing connection, and nowadays have some fabulous orchestral musicians successfully involved. (e.g. Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra - Royal Albert Hall Promenade Concert, 19.30 - Weds. 13th. August 2008 - with Gustavo Dudamel...WOW...) Most of the principals came for a breathe, but Peter Joback resisted for several days. Then, on one occasion a singer was sick, so Lars (Rudolfsson ) took the session - he has a really good voice, and persuaded Peter to come along. I'll never forget it - there was this very famous 'cool' pop idol singer who went through the little exercise routine, looked totally dejected, and confessed he was upset because Benny has written one of his songs too high for him to sing - ' Jag kan iiinte ' he wailed. 'I know you can iiinte - that's why Lars wanted to put us together, so that you KAAAN!' (Bossy boots..) Gradually we put the air with the voice, developing the most magnificent results - he eventually sang a pianissimo top B, running offstage carrying a man on his shoulders - breathtaking, really - oooph... If you didn't hear it you can't imagine the thrill....I saw the show about twenty times, also in Gothenburg Opera, at Circus in Stockholm, and never tired of it, but I think it could be trimmed timewise... Maybe some day they'll give us a version in English...More recently Peter starred in 'Cabaret' and was just magnificent in every respect. My only disappoinment was that so few of my other 'breathers' saw it, talk about charisma - he used every voice available , in different modes - brilliant...I'd really like to hear him in opera, he's perfectly capable of thrilling with his beautiful tenor voice...truly - as unbelievable as that may seem... Happy days...although very cold and rainy here ...k..p b.......g...

What's between your ears ....?

Watching the Wimbledon tennis championships, I was rather disappointed that Roger Federer, acknowledged by his piers to be the finest player ever, even by his conqueror Rafael Nadal - was 'ground down' and lost to the latter's demolishing attacks. 'tis pity that over the years a sport has been degraded to such a violent, aggressive and ill-mannered activity. Ironically, John Mc. Enroe, the American champion of yesteryear who was a commentator, remarked "you can't just have talent, you have to have something between the ears" referring to a player who has not developed his amazing ability. Guess who it was that started the discgraceful displays of bawling at the umpire and bringing the game in to disrepute, becoming known as "Superbrat " ? Yes, none other than himself !! His was mainly responsible for the ensuing number of players grunting, snorting, growling, disrespectfully shouting at umpires, lines people, and officials - some even releasing 'constipated shrieks' as they bombard their opponent - t-t-t-ttt. Had I been there I might have been tempted to join in the vocal displays, pre-empting the player and agreeing to stop disturbing them when they followed suit ! (At one opera performance I was sitting in the fourth row of the stalls and was disturbed by the conductor 'snorting' very loudly just before every character sang, warning him in the interval, that if he didn't stop this unseemly and uneccessary behaviour which was disturbing a beautifully sung performance, I'd snort fractionally before him. "oow will you know what to do" ? "I know the piece well - try me ...." He did, and after a few minutes of 'snort'-'snort' in quick succession - he desisted. Apparently many had tried to curb his un-professional habit, and I was told later that he never did it again. Apparently that was his way of cueing the cast - even though there was a perfectly competent prompter in the box about three meters ahead of him, facing the stage - now you know what's between my ears, and be careful if you attend a performance with me...oooops ! Naughty...) Watching some clips of earlier Wimbledon champions it was such a relief to observe the players exhibiting more mental and 'normal' athletic skill (no Mr.or Miss. Universe clones, or gutteral noises) and less anger, even smiling as they played...would you believe ? No wonder so many say 'Ah yes, those were the days' ...nostalgia .... comes to us all in the end....which is where we are right now, for today ...k..p b.......g...

Floral fragrances.....mmmmmm..

To be in the garden nowadays is bliss with the sweet smelling perfumes of various blooms wafting on gentle breezes....oooooh, the joy of breathing to take in such relaxing delights....The cultivated flowers are magnificent this year, and I can sit on the garden swing seat almost intoxicated by the combined fragrances of roses and philadelphus - or mock orange, and wild foxgloves....On a different tack, last weekend I attended a performance of "The Rake's Progress" given by students of Trinity College of Music and was rather concerned that so few of the cast have any idea of supporting the voice with air. Mercifully the Ann Truelove, played by Helen Bailey, and trained by Wendy Eathorne, was a noticable exception and gave a flawless interpretation of the role, histrionically and vocally.
Helen is studying on a Post Graduate Diploma Course at Trinity. Interestingly enough, she graduated with a First Class Honours Degree in English Literature and Cultural History from the Liverpool John Moores University - maybe it would benifit more singers if they approached singing via this route instead of slogging away at some music colleges....oooops! Many of the singers at this performance were disadvantaged by a production 'in the round', not a helpful medium for inexperienced students - yes, I know they need to learn how to cope with it, but not when they are so limited in projection and lacking any breathing technique - it's all a part of lifes' rich tapestry I suppose....to me it was a director proving how clever he is with the staging, rather than a good learning process for the participants - just my opinion ...Yesterday I attended a Master Class, for singers, by a very distinguished International artist at the Royal Academy of Music, and it was quite sad when one of the young singers stated that she had attended on of our top Music School vocal departments for three years - and had come along to try and find her real voice again - what a shocking indictment - no names, no pack drill ....as we say. (Simply means I'm not going to name names ...)!! For me it was frustrating to hear some of the talented singers going through their pieces, obviously not knowing what to do with their air - knowing exactly what would eliminate their problems - and not being able to help them - I really had to 'button my lip'. It was a relief when the singer who is perfecting their breathing with me, via Rosalind Plowright, the ikonic English mezzo- soprano, astonished the assembled company by his excellent air control - relief of tension for me, he really was impressive ! I can breathe again knowing that the routine works ....if you want to expand your lower ribcage, put a tape measure around it, exhale as much as possible allowing the ribcage to draw in, then, breathe in slowly, let the cage open and release the tape measure - you can then see how much expansion you have. That was how I did it in my youth - and the lungs, although damaged, are still working well, even individually...it's so easy. So, Dear readers, k..p b.......g...