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Bel Canto

You've probably heard the term " Bel Canto" used to describe the operas of certain composers, especially ones who's names end in "ini" or "eti."  But Bel Canto, which in English simply means beautiful singing, is a term that's been around for a very long time. It was originally applied to the vocal technique of the castrati, the great stars of Italian opera in the 1600's and 1700's.  The basic principle of Bel Canto has always been the production of beautiful tone with minimal effort.  And although Bel Canto, put a premium on singing that high, fast, and flashy, it always begins with the ability to sing a simple melodic line beautifully and easily.  What's funny is that for the last 300 years, virtually every generation has complained the the tradition of the true Bel Canto style is now lost.  Well, you don't have to worry, the tradition is, in fact, very much alive and the great singers of today would be stars in any era.   

A Minute with Miles - a production of ETV Radio made possible by the JM Smith Corporation.

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