Masterclass L’Arte del Belcanto (3°edition)
Bracciano 20-27 august 2017
Voice technique and interpretation: Mariella Devia
Analysis of the lyrical-musical text: Carlo Boschi
Scenic movement : Cesare Scarton
Korrepetitor : Luca Gorla
◆Comments from participants
“Thanks to this Masterclass I was able to understand how a singer should perform today in European theatres”
Chikako Nishimura
Luckily, I was able to receive first the advice of Maestro Gorla who revealed to me that the repertoire I had chosen was not really suited to my voice. This prevented me from presenting myself with unsuitable compositions in front of Maestra Devia.
So, instead, I got more and more in tune with the lessons of the Maestra Devia and the final result filled me with joy.I took great advantage of the teachings of the director Cesare Scarton. With him I perfected the character of Donna Elvira in Mozart’s Don Giovanni, but his suggestions will also be very useful for other roles.
In Japan I had followed lessons in diction, but working with Professor Boschi opened a new world for me on the meanings of text, the correct pronunciation of words and the rhythm of sentences, the links between text and music, the characters’ characters. In short, I would have liked those hours never to end. I understood that technique and singing are empty without understanding the poetry of the text I sing.
I thought it would be nice to have twice as much time for all the lessons!
With the Maestra Devia I understood how important it is to know the mechanics of one’s own body, how much the voice is the result of a precise organization of my strengths. It was very useful for me to follow such a great singer for all those days: I saw in her everything I have to do for myself. Maybe it will take some time to master everything I’ve been taught, but I’ll try to do my best. And then, the thrills of being close to this legendary stage star, whom I dreamed of meeting since high school!
More than anything else, however, I felt the strength of the presence of Satoko Kawabata: excellent pianist, careful translator, perfect organizer, very pleasant company, impeccable guest, able to meet all the needs of us students.
Now I think I’ve really understood the way to become a complete interpreter in opera singing.
I can’t wait to attend the next Masterclass! Thank you very much.
