Memorizing - Hot Topic Continued

I am afraid the writer of these comments concerning the real purpose of memorizing music is 'way off base, at least with respect to singing. In order for a singer to communicate directly to his or her audience, it is best not to have music on a music stand in the way. However, using or not using music has nothing to do with using or not using the mind. In either case, the mind must be fully engaged with respect to both the music and the meaning of the text in order to fully convey the message to the audience. To do this, the singer (or instrumentalist for that matter) must be fully in command of the use of their instrument, be it the voice or the violin. This is where the tacile memory and the analogy to riding a bike comes in. One cannot, under such circumstances, afford to be distracted by such issues as proper breathing, "internal vibrations" (whatever they may be), or keeping the tongue from restricting the flow of air. These issues must be automatic Doesn't one have to practice to the point where it all occurs as a reflex?

Memorizing - Hot Topic

Why singers and pianists memorize music is beyond me. The answer is stimulus / response. Question / answer. Most of us are not fluent in foreign languages. There are times when I wonder if anyone is anymore. Good singing is like, what's your name, Marc Innes. No delay. No hesitation. No time delay. Natural. Honest. Believable. If one leads a catalyst to accomplish this, then one needs a catalyst. Rote repetition sounds incomplete. Unbelievable. Memorization or believing in what you are doing.

Response:

How can you act out your part if you don't know it by heart? Most singers are fluent in several languages. At least the working ones are. I know a number of Americans who sing in Europe and they are really good at the languages of the countries where they work. Ewa Podles wants her accompanist to play her music by heart. She does not want a page turner on stage either. That may be somewhat extreme, but I can see her point that she wants the accompanist, usually her daughter in law who teaches at Juilliard, to be completely comfortable with the music. I can't imagine working in Germany and not knowing at least some German before going over. Some Americans who work in American houses actually work in Italian because it is the language everyone in an Italian opera speaks. Maria