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The Melodic Voice: Conversations with Alice Parker
The Melodic Voice presents a series of interviews with preeminent composer, conductor, and teacher Alice Parker that offers a fuller and more intimate view of her life and music than ever before
The conversations Cameron LaBarr and John Wykoff document in these pages perfectly capture the essence of Alice's core philosophies on melody, arranging, singing, music teaching, conducting, and many other topics.
During the course of the interviews, Alice discusses a wide range of topics: her childhood, her time as a student at Smith College and Julliard, the death of her husband, her work with Robert Shaw, living in New York City, experiences with teaching, her compositional process, the importance of folk song, advice for students and teachers, and much more.
In the accompanying video component, Alice speaks candidly and directly about many of her most popular and well-loved arrangements, including Hark I Hear the Harps Eternal, Saints Bound for Heaven, What Shall We Do with a Drunken Sailor?, and John Saw Duh Numbuh, among others.
Too few have had the privilege of attending one of Alice's workshops or engaging with her in long conversations and round-the-table singing. But the conversational nature of this book gives everyone the chance to engage with her in a deeper way. Musicians and non-musicians alike are sure to be inspired by Alice's words.
The conversations Cameron LaBarr and John Wykoff document in these pages perfectly capture the essence of Alice's core philosophies on melody, arranging, singing, music teaching, conducting, and many other topics.
During the course of the interviews, Alice discusses a wide range of topics: her childhood, her time as a student at Smith College and Julliard, the death of her husband, her work with Robert Shaw, living in New York City, experiences with teaching, her compositional process, the importance of folk song, advice for students and teachers, and much more.
In the accompanying video component, Alice speaks candidly and directly about many of her most popular and well-loved arrangements, including Hark I Hear the Harps Eternal, Saints Bound for Heaven, What Shall We Do with a Drunken Sailor?, and John Saw Duh Numbuh, among others.
Too few have had the privilege of attending one of Alice's workshops or engaging with her in long conversations and round-the-table singing. But the conversational nature of this book gives everyone the chance to engage with her in a deeper way. Musicians and non-musicians alike are sure to be inspired by Alice's words.
243 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
July 19, 2020
This book beautifully captures the spirit of Alice Parker in a personal way. At a time when singing together is not possible due to the ongoing pandemic, this depiction of a life lived in song is uplifting and hopeful.
September 8, 2019
A series of interviews with Alice Parker, including her life, time with Robert Shaw, and thoughts on composition in general and teaching music to all ages. Overall, it is an enjoyable and informative book from one of America's premier arrangers.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews