There's something to be said for a trained voice with an expert vibrato... but sometimes it seems that vibrato is used as a thick coat of paint to cover up a vocalist's chips and cracks. And when it comes to certain choral compositions, it's my opinion that vibrato thoroughly detracts from the purity of the music. Notice I said "certain" works. Baroque anthems and oratorios for large choirs, classical masses and romantic pieces for small choirs? Let's wobble our hearts out, singers. But when it comes to the tight, sometimes dissonant harmonies of early music - and some modern music - there's nothing for it but a pure, focused, straight tone.
On their latest CD, the four men of New York Polyphony use that straight tone to remarkable effect.
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About New Classical Tracks®
Host Julie Amacher provides an in-depth exploration of a new classical music release each week.
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