The assumption that the art has been lost is absurd. The method may have been neglected, and temporarily forgotten. We do not deny that. But there is not — or ought not to be — the possibility of such a thing as a “lost art.” What has been done once can be done again.
- William Rockstro, 1894
Welcome to Phantoms of the Opera, where we learn from the voices of the past.
The YouTube channel and website is dedicated to educating the world on the ancient Italian tradition of Bel Canto, and dispelling the myths around it.
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I began my studies in this oral tradition over twenty years ago, and for the last sixteen years I have been reconstructing how Bel Canto was practiced and taught in its heyday, working chronologically backwards from my teacher’s era by studying the early audio records alongside written sources from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries.
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My teacher was Rae Woodland​
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who shared a teacher with Kathleen Ferrier —
​​​​​​​​​​the renowned Roy Henderson.
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I am devoted to restoring the tradition before it is lost to history.
I teach, according to the traditional methods, students who are committed to the long process of mastering Bel Canto. I am also eager to train teachers to pass it on to the next generations. See here for more information.
What is Bel Canto?
Bel canto translates to good singing, not beautiful singing, as it is often mistakenly believed to be.
​ Bel Canto was the name given to the ancient Italian school of singing which flourished between 1600-1900. It was developed in Italy in the early 17th century for and alongside opera, and spread together with the new art form across Europe. For at least two hundred years it was considered the best or even the ‘correct' method for singing opera, uniting many countries in a sort of European union of music.
However, by the mid-19th century, the old Italian school was being challenged by new ideas and new schools. Growing feelings of nationalism divided the musical union, and the modern concept of vocal science sowed mistrust of the ancient wisdom which had been passed on by oral tradition. It was at this time that the term ‘bel canto’ was adopted to speak about what was being lost.
By the end of the 19th century, the old Italian school of Bel Canto was generally talked about as a dying or even already lost art. During the 20th century, something more was lost with each generation, and in each generation there were fewer exponents.
I believe that this method is still the most thorough, healthy, and artistically freeing way for singing not only opera but most of the Western classical canon, and its versatility allows for easy adaptation to other musical styles besides.
"The only proof of a method is the result, and this method has furnished the universe with stars."
- Blanche Marchesi, 1932
Phantoms of the Opera on YouTube
This centenary documentary puts Maria Callas in the context of the Bel Canto tradition, exploring her place in history as one of the school's last great exponents, and analyses her art from a unique perspective, presented entirely in her own words.
This discussion explains why I identify Bel Canto as a technique, not a style, what I mean by those terms, and why my aim is not just historical preservation, but is driven by the uncomfortable truth that "progress" doesn't always have the best causes or outcomes.
A quick video referencing Charles Burney's account of the history of large ensembles and loud singers in the 17th and 18th centuries, refuting the commonplace claim that orchestras and venues were smaller and singers quieter in that era.
A true story and a unique performance of a little-known work by an under-celebrated composer, on his own instrument (yes, it is the actual piano, not a replica!)
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