The Inner Voice: The Making of a Singer by Renee Fleming
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Book Reviews of The Inner Voice: The Making of a Singer
Book Review: Articulare and full of insight
Summary: 5 Stars
A book about a world-class opera singer will be read mainly by two categories of people: singers and opera lovers. To strike a balance that will please both of the interested parties is tricky. Too much technical stuff and you alienate the second camp. Not enough technical stuff and you disappoint the first camp. Fleming, by and large, manages to satisfy both sides of the equation. She acknowledges the help of novelist Ann Patchett's "silent work on paper", but it is clear from the passages on vocal technique that much of it is written in her own words, confirming one's impression from her spoken interviews that she is fluent and articulate (she is also fluent in German and French and can get by in Italian). The book is sensibly divided up into chapters that focus on different facets of the singer's life, so that singers will probably dwell on "Apprenticeship", "Mentors", "Longevity" and "Performance", whereas the chapters on "Family", "Success", "Roles", and "Backstage" will appeal more to the non-singing reader. There's also a chapter on the business of recording. As a singer, I found the book fascinating and wished there was more of it (its 222 pages are printed in quite a large typeface). I hope that this intelligent, articulate and unusually analytical woman will, when her stage career is over, find time to write a book on the technique and business of singing aimed purely at the student and professional singer. She would be ideally qualified to do so.Book Review: Part Autobiography, Part "How-To", Part Masterclass
Summary: 5 Stars
This book is designed to be read by aspiring divas and like-minded individuals, not by those wanting a biographical account of Ms. Fleming's life and career. In this little book, Fleming flows easily from personal acocunt to technical explanation of vocal technique.
I was impressed at the grace and modesty in which Ms. Fleming wrote, even about the less favorable situations such as her divorce and the death of her dear friedn and mentor. Her obvious adoration for her children, and her candid account of her multiple failures was real enough for anyone to grasp.
It is the simplicity of this book that draws me. Not consisting of complicated or flowery language, but written briefly and in an easily read language, Fleming bares enough of her soul to inspire the aspiring singer, but avoids the trap of tabloid details.
Book Review: A Singer Must-Have...
Summary: 5 Stars
I really like this book because it's well-written and interesting, and it makes a really good read. As an aspiring opera performer, I can really relate and learn from all of Renee's experiences. She has really been through it all. She talks about her life, about technical stuff (that you'll learn a lot from), about the "business", and pretty much about everything she's been through as a singer. She gives some really good advice. This is a MUST HAVE for anyone with a serious aspiration to perform. You'll learn A LOT.Book Review: The Inner Voice
Summary: 5 Stars
The Inner Voice by Renee Fleming is an absolutely fascinating account of the Diva's life, her struggles with her voice, and how she became one of the biggest superstar Opera Singers in the world. This is a must have for all young singers looking for ideas on how to get to the top and stay there. It is extremely well written and gives one a chance to step inside the life of a diva! Her account of her first bouts of stage fright are candid and compelling. I would read this book again and again.Book Review: INSPIRATIONAL ARTIST MEMOIR
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a great artist sitting down to share with us how she managed to put it all together. Not your average "I worked with this famous singer and that
conductor". I'm sure it's an interesting read for her fans, but surely a must-read for others making their way in music. Talent surely comes in very handy, but more than that, one needs equal parts courage, imagination and perhaps most important, clarity. An inspiration.
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