Introduction to the Art of Singing by Johann Friedrich Agricola (Cambridge Musical Texts and Monographs)

Agricola published Introduction to the Art of Singing in Germany, in 1757, consisting of the 1723 treatise of the Italian singing teacher and castrato, Tosi, to which Agricola added his own running commentary. The Introduction was recognized as invaluable not only for teachers and their pupils but also for advanced singers and professionals. This present edition, translated with introduction and annotations by the celebrated singer Julianne Baird, makes Agricola's work available in English. Tosi's work was the first basic treatise on singing; Agricola, a pupil of J. S. Bach at the court of Frederick the Great, brought Tosi's work 'up to date'. His commentaries are so extensive that the Introduction stands on its own as an important document in the history of performance practice. Agricola published Introduction to the Art of Singing in Germany in 1757, consisting of the 1723 treatise of the Italian singing teacher and castrato, Tosi, to which Agricola added his own running commentary. The Introduction was recognized as invaluable not only for teachers and their pupils but also for advanced singers and professionals. This present edition, translated with introduction and annotations by the celebrated singer Julianne Baird, makes Agricola's work available for the first time in English. Tosi's work was the first basic treatise on singing; Agricola, a pupil of J.S. Bach at the court of Frederick the Great, brought Tosi's work "up-to-date." His commentaries are so extensive that the Introduction stands on its own as an important document in the history of performance practice. Not one, but two prominent musicians of the Baroque era discussing the finer points of vocal performance practice of that period, plus valuable clarifications and cross-references provided by a modern scholar (Baird). So many aspects of Baroque vocal performance practice were never written down by the composers - it was expected that the performers would improvise ornamentation in the style of the day. Consequently, rare sources like this one provide the modern scholar with some of the only available primary source material on the subject. Well-organized and surprisingly easy to read. 1. Musical mistakes insinuate themselves so easily into youthful minds and it is often so difficult to find anyone to correct them as they arise, that ideally only the very best singers should undertake the task of teaching, because they, better than any others, know the way to success and, with perceptive insights, are able to guide the student in developing his talent from the beginning stages to perfection.

An English translation with commentary of an important first treatise on singing by Agricola.