Table of Contents

Introduction
An Age of Rhetorical Persuasion

Part 1 Preparing the Text
Words Appropriately Fitted to the Notes

Part 2 Elocutio : Fine Words and Music
Every Trope, Every Figure

Part 3 Pronunciatio: Singing Eloquently and Acting Aptly
1. The Art of Vocal Delivery
All the Senses Satisfied
Accent and Emphasis
Pronouncing Distinctly
Figures and Passionate Ornaments Made Manifest
2. A Garden of Embellishment
Divisions
Graces
Part Songs
3. Action

Part 4 Passionate Ayres Pronounced
1. The Prosopopoeia in England
John Dowland, "Sorrow stay"
John Dowland, "In darknesse let mee dwell"
2. Affetto cantando and Consort Singing in Italy
Giulio Caccini, "Deh dove son fuggiti"
Claudio Monteverdi, "Baci soavi e cari"

Appendix
Understanding Learned Compositions
The Addition of Sharps and Flats

Glossary

References

Index

About the Author

Robert Toft has pursued a career as a vocal coach, accompanist, and researcher. He has published five books on the performance practices of singing between the 16th and 19th centuries and has given master classes, workshops, and lectures on historically-informed performance in Australia, Britain, Canada, Ireland, Switzerland, and the USA. He is Professor of Music at Western University in London, Canada.

Reviews

"With Passionate Voice distills the knowledge and sensitivity of an exemplary teacher...Toft's conclusions are detailed, intuitive, beautiful, and thoroughly supported by evidence...An inspiring treasure for performers and scholars, this is a stunning book."--N. L. Gilbert, The Webb Schools