* Researching the Song.(Book review)

* Researching the Song, by Shirlee Emmom and Wilbur Watkin Lewis. Oxford University Press, Inc. (198 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10016), 2006. 507 pp. $74.00.

While assisting students as they learn new repertoire, voice teachers are confronted with myriad issues that extend well beyond the realm of vocal technique. Questions related to the understanding and interpretation of song texts arise frequently, and teachers are called upon to provide both information and encouragement as students develop their research skills and interests.

In their new book, Researching the Song, authors Shirlee Emmons and Wilbur Watkin Lewis have developed a major resource for all who study, teach and enjoy the vast art song repertoire. Written in an encyclopedic format, the book offers more than 2,000 entries based on mythological, historical, geographical and literary references found throughout the art song repertoire. It encompasses songs written in the standard singing languages, as well as others, such as Greek, Russian, Spanish, Finnish and Norwegian. Information is provided about a wide-range of poets and supplemented by listings of the composers who have set their texts.

In an effort to explore the scope of Researching the Song, I made a list of references derived from a recent solo voice recital. A great deal of useful information, both general and specific, was found quite ...