Laure Cinti-Damoreau’s Méthode de Chant - Exploring a Historic Voice Treatise

Abstract

The aim of the article is to establish potential uses for historical voice treatises, which are currently overlooked. The analysis of Laure Cinti-Damoreau’s voice method (1853) reveals a complex system of voice exercises, which aims to train every aspect of operatic singing: from developing breath management, to mastering seamless legato as well as complex coloratura phrases. The exercises are accompanied by simple chord progressions – which singers were often presumed to be able to play themselves. While this treatise does not contain any written explanations its value lies in the intricacy of the exercises themselves. The conclusion proposes that the exploration of such exercises in the modern voice studio would complement the technical work of voice teachers.