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Margaret Olson, The Solo Singer in the Choral Setting: A Handbook for Achieving Vocal Health. Lanham, MD: The Scarecrow Press, Inc., 2010. Paper, 196 pp., $39.95. ISBN 978-0-8108-6913-4 www.scarecrowpress.com
In the opening paragraph of The Solo Singer in the Choral Setting, author Margaret Olson asserts that choral singing and solo singing, despite a shared bloodline, are distinct art forms that place unique demands upon the voice. She also states that neither is superior; rather, they are just different. This spirit of parity permeates the entire volume. As the title indicates, Olson approaches the reconciliation of the two disciplines from the perspective of the solo singer, with vocal health as the overriding concern. The volume is intended for voice teachers, choral conductors, and singers, and is geared toward the developing young adult voice, such as those in undergraduate programs.
The opening chapter presents an overview of voice production and a brief guide to keeping the voice healthy. Anatomy and function of the voice are clearly explained. A welcome inclusion is the discussion of coordination; too often, this element of vocal technique is not touched upon in pedagogic treatises. Olson references-among others-William Vennard, who identifies coordination of the vocal act as the main purpose of voice lessons.
The main purpose of choral rehearsals, however, is not the training of individual voices, but the development of the ensemble, both vocally and in regard to specific repertoire. Accordingly, the volume addresses topics pertinent to the choral setting. The author identifies both issues and solutions....