In Her Words: The Instruction and Insight of Mary Trueman
Mary Trueman (1915-2008) was overflowing with musical wisdom and life insight that still greatly influences the artists and teachers who were gifted with her presence. The following are direct quotes from some of Ms. Trueman's many lectures and lessons, and you may click on the pictures below to listen to her lyrical and musical interpretations of songs: Beau Soir (Debussy), Les Berceaux (Faure) and Romance (Debussy)
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“When the artistic imagination is coupled with technical mastery, the resultant flow of tone will be compelling in its freedom. Communication will be direct and unencumbered. I cannot urge singers enough to work very hard at the mechanics of singing. Remain devoted to your work and you’ll surely discover the joy of singing. The rewards will be great!
Pleasures will come to those who will not be denied. You must not be denied! |
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And you must not put off the critical practice that is required. To quote Shakespeare:
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"There is a tide in the affairs of men, which taken at the flood, leads on to fortune; Omitted, all the voyage of their life is bound in shallows and in miseries. On such a full sea are we now afloat, and we must take the current when it serves or lose our venture." |
“The interpreter’s task is to internalize not only the rhythm of the music, but the inner rhythm of the words and their psycho-dynamic and psycho-linguistic qualities. The poetic source must be unhampered by the singer’s personal emotion of the moment, and all feelings must have been absorbed so that the singer is singing from a position of strength and assurance.
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Only the expressive urge of the singer’s intent will be able to evoke a response from the listener.
The genres of the Lied and the Mélodie have their own intrinsic message which one can only experience when these songs are performed after taking the entire poem into consideration.” |
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