Composing for Voice

This comprehensive exploration of voice, language, and music in Composing for Voice includes insights from various musical genres and practitioners.

The second edition of Composing for Voice delves into the intricate relationship between language and music, providing insights from the perspectives of composers, singers, and actors. It aims to enhance understanding of the voice's multifaceted roles in pedagogical, musicological, and dramatic contexts. By examining the voice across various musical genres such as pop, jazz, folk, classical, opera, and musical theatre, this edition highlights the unique fusion of language and music that characterizes song.

This updated version has been expanded to engage a broader audience of music and theatre professionals and educators. The introduction of co-author Maria Huesca brings fresh perspectives and insights, making the content more accessible to an international readership. The book includes a comprehensive review of the history of singing, an overview of melisma's development, and a dedicated chapter that fosters better understanding among performers, acknowledging the different educational backgrounds of singers and actors.

Additionally, Composing for Voice features case studies, qualitative research on song lyrics and meanings, discussions on synthetic voices, and the concept of embodied composition. Interviews with composers and singers enrich the text, while summaries of various vocal styles provide practical insights. A dedicated website offers links to performances and related workshops, further enhancing the reader's experience and understanding of the material.