Finding Garcia and Lamperti
I’ve been researching for two decades and the journey has been rewarding. What have I discovered?
The vocal techniques of Garcia and Lamperti. Proprietary in nature, you haven’t read about the procedures I have found anywhere.
Yes, I am writing a record of what I have found. But I don’t expect anyone to learn to sing from it. That would take an unusual person. Perhaps someone who sees my work after the great disaster has taken place and the world of art is getting back on its feet: after the seas have risen ten feet, we’ve bombed ourselves to near extinction, and AI has made us slaves to corporations.
That’s how I think of it. Hexagram 63. ‘After the End’ as the I Ching records it.
I am not an optimist at the moment—good for you if you are—even if I keep plugging at my work. I’m going to be 65 this summer and observe that the world I prepared to be part of—artistically speaking—has faded away. There are precious few singers now who sing with real beauty. The Caballe’s with incredible pianissimos, messa di voce, and trills? Where are they? Instead, I hear screaming, both on the opera stage and in popular culture. Force has replaced meaning, note-singing has replaced legato, and visuals are everything.
I can understand why singers scream. I mean, there is a lot to scream about. Living through Covid is enough on its own. Add to that we are likely past the point of no return regarding climate, governments are sliding into Fascism, and lies have replaced truth. How can one do the things that matter and not be paralyzed by fear or despair?
Sit quietly on the Zazen cushion. Take heart and practice Tonglen. Work out at the Y.
That’s what I do.
I sing too. Every day. I especially practice the portamento, messa di voce, and the trill—three big bel canto teachings that have a great deal to teach the singer.
One thing I can tell you: beautiful singing—singing with the principles of bel canto—feels wonderful.
Where will you learn the technique of Garcia and Lamperti? In the studio where it means something. Where procedures are tailored to you the individual.
I agree with those who intone that singing is hard—if not impossible—to learn from a book. You have to “know something to know something.” But how many do? Precious few. In truth, the “something” involved must be born via the alchemy that takes place between student and teacher. Both must have ears that feel.
Photo credit: Daniel Shigo’s iPhone 12. Metropolitan Opera on a winter’s day while on the way to the Library of the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center.
