What does that mean you’re asking.

Well, I was watching the Capitol Fourth from Washington DC last night, July 4. I always do. And yes, I like some of the entertainment and some I don’t. I always love the National Symphony Orchestra and Maestro Jack Everly. Plus this year, the wonderful pianist Chloe Flower.

But then their are the singers which I really scrutinize, for obvious reasons being a voice teacher of 37 years. Which brings me to the title of this piece.

With most popular entertainers it is pretty much assumed they will make any song they sing “their own.” Bring their own style to it and try to “wow” the audience. However, not all songs are in that category. Songs that were composed years ago, like our dearly beloved national treasures, were meant to be performed the way that composer intended. And these types of songs are meant to celebrate specific things or situations…like the “Star Spangled Banner” which is our National Anthem.

I am always doing flip-flops (at my age) when I hear singers take the National Anthem and sing it “their way.” There is no “their way” with this song. It’s the song meant to celebrate our Revolution which freed us from the bonds of England’s Monarchy. We wanted to be free and we fought like dogs for it! The song should be sung in the appropriate manner out of respect. Granted it’s not the easiest song to sing but no need to make it any more difficult by rearranging it “your way.” Oy vey!

Other songs like “America the Beautiful” and “God Bless America” also need to be sung respectfully and appropriately. Songs written for special occasions should be treated like it. Not every piece of music out there is for performers to use the way they please. Modern entertainers seem to not comprehend this fact of musical life.

When one studies music and obtains several degrees etc., we are taught about the different eras of music. Music history. There are different periods of music each with their own style. Baroque, the time Bach and Handel lived, has its own unique style for vocal and instrumental music. The same goes for the Classical Period, Romantic, Impressionist, etc. One has to learn the different styles in order to perform the music of each period correctly.

Art songs such as German Lieder and French Chansons etc. (German and French songs), have their own style. Singers have to learn that and abide by it. Opera arias also have their own style. Some are more rigid than others. Some a singer can take a bit more liberty with. It depends on the composer and again the style of the music.

Lest I bore the entire world with my singer/musician’s evaluation of music throughout the ages, let me reiterate the title…making music appropriately. Just because you are a modern entertainer doesn’t mean you take any piece of music and “make it your own” style. You make it your own by singing it well, respectfully and meaningfully.

So there. Today’s music lesson. Food for thought. One can’t take liberty with a lot of things in life. Many things need to be respected and treated appropriately. Music of course is the one that stands out for me.

And you?

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