"Having had the opportunity to work with Neal Goren early in my career, I learned so much about musical style. Neal is one of the true geniuses of classical repertoire coaching and his words and ideas have remained with me to this day.”
Danielle de Niese - International Opera Star

Beyond the Aria

Artistic Self-Empowerment for the Classical Singer: Why You Want It, Why You’ve Been Denied It, and How to Achieve It

 

Written by Neal Goren

It is no secret that the opera industry is contracting and that there are fewer professional opportunities. But what causes one singer to be in demand over another is not exclusively a special instrument or exceptional vocal technique—rather, the ability to interpret the music and portray character convincingly plays an increasingly vital role in today’s opera industry.

Beyond the Aria: Artistic Self-Empowerment for the Classical Singer provides singers with the tools to develop an inquisitive and analytical mindset about the artistic details found in scores. Neal Goren takes singers through a careful reading of clues provided by the librettist and composer, informed by performance practice, and empowers singers to make their own valid artistic choices. Sample analyses of six standard arias and songs are provided as a guide of characterization.

Chapters also address artistic collaboration and audition strategies. Also included are exclusive interviews with eight great singing actors of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, including Jonas Kaufmann, Christa Ludwig, Audra McDonald, and Barbara Hannigan, who share their individual methods for constructing a character.

“Neal Goren's book "Beyond the Aria" is a personal reflection of his unique and diverse talents as recitalist, vocal coach and entrepreneur. His insights will prove invaluable to singers, aspiring vocal coaches and opera conductors. As one reads, it is clear that Neal Goren has spent a lifetime in pursuit of helping singers reach a higher level of artistic expression.”
Lydia Brown Chair, Collaborative Piano at The Juilliard School
Vocal Program, Marlboro Music Festival and School
“Neal has compiled a thorough roadmap that serves as a guide towards excellence for emerging artists. His personal insight, relationships and years of experience inform the reader on every facet of artistry needed to excel in opera. I found the personal accounts of some colleagues to be especially informative. A wonderful, real-world application of many of the issues and work-arounds that will confront singers at any stage in their career. Bravo Neal!”
Brandon Jovanovich - INTERNATIONAL OPERA STAR