Published online by Cambridge University Press: 22 September 2009
In the Introduction to the Anweisung zum musikalisch-richtigen Gesange the good and bad qualities, preservation, and improvement of the human voice were discussed at great length. That is why there is little left for me to elaborate on, except to add a few more random remarks.
A beautiful voice is a glorious gift of our gracious Creator, and it would show little gratitude were we not to attempt to use it in the best possible way to praise Him and, at the same time, to bring joy to others. Those who never had the opportunity to receive proper instruction in music, particularly in the art of singing, are to be pitied but not reproached. This does not hold true for those who have wasted the opportunity out of carelessness, laziness, or disdain.
It is no less than a sin against God if the voice, this blessed gift (of our Lord), is not preserved with the care it deserves. What is more, those who wish to base their future career upon singing work in their own interest if they pay full attention to preserving the beauty of their voices and try to avoid everything that could ruin it. It is a fact proven by experience that a singer, although in possession of artistry, dexterity, and musical interest, will please very little because of his poor voice, whereas a singer with a brilliant voice but less artistry will be admired.
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