Singing in Style: A Guide to Vocal Performance Practices.(Book review)

Singing in Style: A Guide to Vocal Performance Practices, by Martha Elliott. Yale University Press (New Haven and London), 2007. yalepress, yale. edu/yupbooks/home.asp; (800) 405-1619; 368pp.; $20.

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Martha Elliott brings a meticulous approach to the study of songs, sacred music and chamber music for this guide of vocal performance practices written for performers, teachers and students. This text should become a part of music libraries and reside on private studio shelves for ready reference. Beginning with "The Early Baroque" she has investigated "The Late Baroque," "The Classical Era," "Italian Bel Canto," "German Lieder," "French Melodies," the "Second Viennese School," "Early Twentieth-Century Nationalism," and "Working with Living Composers." Each of these chapters has additional sections ... some representing various practices influenced by geographical location. Others deal with specific realization of notated ornamentation, giving examples and citing original sources.

Elliot's observations regarding performance practices are illustrated with excerpts from various editions of music and/or writings from the period discussed. Numerous anecdotes support examples given and provide the reader with specific connections to the inner workings of the minds of composers and performers. Although careful scholarship is the foundation of the text, the presentation is not at all dry. Also, because ...