The Classical Music Guide Forums

I've just finished doing a tour of Cendrillon and everyone has said the same there isn't enough Massenet around.

I really like Cendrillon by Massenet. It's a real mezzo fest. (Minus the ballets though otherwise it's a bit long)

I am working on singing Schumanns Liederkries. It's a great collection of songs. I'd like to be able to perform the whole thing but it would take a lot of stamina! Not sure if I'm ready for the challenge just yet. Also working on 'Hear Ye Isreal' - the soprano aria from Mendolssohns (spelling?) Elij...

I'm glad there is some new flute talent on the block. There are not enough soloists around these days. My friend once had a lesson with James Galway (he was told to call him Jimmy) and he said all he ever did was play at my friend and never taught him anything. Thats probably why he is a soloist and...

I love his choral piece with 2 soloists 'I waited for the Lord'. It is beautiful. He cleverly weaves the soloists voices around the choir and it is very exciting to sing. The opening organ part lovely too.

I think perhaps European orchestras play with a more traditional and patriotic approach to the music because it is part of their heritage. They have a natural feel for their national music. American orchestras are too obsessed with being the best therefore dwell on technique and every tiny detail of...

I started off having singing lessons from the age of 9 because I went to dancing class and in our dancing shows I would sing. I did competitons as a child and won nearly everything I entered. It then became clear to me that I wanted to sing as a career. So at the age of 18 I auditioned for music col...

Some would say I am young and therefore naive about a carrer in opera (being only 21) but somebody has to be an opera singer. If we all gave up then there would be a national crisis. A world without singing...? Unthinkable!

I find early music pleasant to listen to. Sometimes I can't be bothered with orchestral stuff. I especially like early songs by Arne, Purcell and Handel etc. They are very easy to listen to. Emma Kirkby is very pleasing on the ear. Especially singing Handel opera.

Why thank you, Lance! If you don't believe in yourself, then who will?

Watch this space!

Don't be so negative! I am in my fourth year at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and I love it. Yes it's hard going but if you want to be a successful musician you have to take the rough with the smooth. If conservatoires were soft on the student then what is the point? It is a harsh industry and...

Hello. Just thought I'd introuduce myself. I am Jane from Blackpool in England. I am a singer and go to the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and am training to be an opera singer!
Its good to hear other peoples views on music from other countries!