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Date Posted: 01:48:24 04/01/00 Sat
Author: Annina
Author Host/IP: ts-02.cimtegration.com / 199.246.8.194
Subject: Gilbert & Sullivan

Hello, Burton,

Since I've often wondered whether you had any formal vocal training, I was naturally delighted to read your segment on performing in Gilbert & Sullivan operettas and your thoughts on singing in general. With your musicality, unique vocal timbre and range, I've often wondered how you would have sounded as an opera singer had you chosen that route (I know some people are going to hate me for saying that). I'm sure you could have put all three tenors (Pavarotti, Domingo & Carerras)out of business!

But, it seems opera's loss is rock's gain, and you're probably happier in the genre you have chosen and in which you excel. But that brings me to a question. I know your musical tastes are diverse, but do they include opera? Have you ever attended one? Some people think it's for snobs, but that's not true. Part of appreciating an art form is understanding it, and opera requires a bit of that. Anyway, if you want to round out your already well-rounded musical erudition, get yourself recordings of these two phenomenal works: 'Norma' by Vincenzo Bellini (1801-1835) and 'Semiramide' by Gioacchino Rossini (1792-1868). Don't be fooled--it ain't boring! Loaded with vocal pyrotechnics as well as simply glorious music. Best recordings are with Aussie soprano Joan Sutherland and American mezzo-soprano, Marilyn Horne.

Actually, I have this theory that Signor Rossini was the pre-cursor to rock n' roll music. How? Accented second and fourth beats, that's how! There are some sections, especially in his comic operas that, well, "rock"!!! Something a musical historian such as yourself might be interested in.

Finally, to give you a frame of reference, I'm the lady from Toronto whom you inadvertently and unwittingly inspired to study piano a few years back. From my last report to you on August 24, 1999 (CNE concert), I still haven't done that advanced conservatory exam, but I am making progress. God, it's a lot of work! I look forward to seeing you with the Guess Who on June 15 in Toronto with the old 'swordfish'. Thanks for so graciously autographing that picture of the three of us.

Ciao, Maestro.

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Replies:

[> Re: Gilbert & Sullivan -- LUXTON, 07:27:14 04/02/00 Sun [1] (spider-tm041.proxy.aol.com/152.163.197.61)

Yes Annina, I feel that doing the tenor leads in Trial By Jury and HMS Pinafore were invaluable experiences for me in high school...besides, I got to miss innumerable boring Algebra and History classes to rehearse for the operettas...
While you're studying piano, remember one VERY important...theory is great, but you should also be able to play by ear and instinct...I would be a MUCH better player today if I'd had a piano teacher that hadn't frowned so much on pop music...she was a bit square for me, considering where I was eventually headed, but nether of us knew it at the time...had she only encouraged my enthusiasm for Ray Charles and a few others, I would doubtlessly have developed far better piano chops than I currently possess...
Do yourself a huge favour and get a few Bill Evans cd's, preferably some of the ones where he's just alone, not with a trio or band...I've been playing for over forty five years and I'm still just spellbound when I hear his block chord voicings...I haven't the slightest idea how to make chords sound like that...the overly used word "genius" certainly applies to Bill Evans...don't just stick to sheet music...let your spirit guide your fingers where they will go willlingly...Paul McCartney, Prince, John Lennon, John Sebastian and a host of other brilliant writers have never read a note of music in their lives, and listen to what their compositions sound like...there are countless artists who know absolutely nothing about the mathematics of music...I've always thought that a healty sprinkling of both apporaches worked best for me...but nowadays, I can't read a damned note anymore...
Good luck with the piano and remember that the more you put into it, the more it will give you back...

Luck and Health

BC


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