Vocal Mastery: Talks with Master Singers and Teachers

Harriette Brower

Vocal Mastery: Talks with Master Singers and Teachers by Harriette Brower is a unique and inspiring collection of interviews with some of the greatest vocalists and voice teachers of the early 20th century. This remarkable book offers intimate insights into the art and discipline of singing, drawn directly from conversations with legends such as Enrico Caruso, Amelita Galli-Curci, Lilli Lehmann, Luisa Tetrazzini, Geraldine Farrar, Giuseppe De Luca, and many more. Through personal reflections and practical advice, these celebrated singers discuss vocal technique, interpretation, breath control, emotional expression, performance psychology, and their own journeys toward mastery. The second half of the book focuses on master teachers like Oscar Saenger, Herbert Witherspoon, and David Bispham, who share valuable pedagogical approaches and principles for training the voice. More than a guide to vocal instruction, this book is a historical document—a rare opportunity to hear directly from iconic figures who shaped the golden age of opera and classical singing. Their wisdom continues to resonate with vocal students, teachers, and performers, making this work a timeless source of learning and inspiration.

Table of contents

• FOREWORD
• I ENRICO CARUSO
• II GERALDINE FARRAR
• III VICTOR MAUREL
• IV A VISIT TO MME. LILLI LEHMANN
• V AMELITA GALLI-CURCI
• VI GIUSEPPE DE LUCA
• VII LUISA TETRAZZINI
• VIII ANTONIO SCOTTI
• IX ROSA RAISA
• X LOUISE HOMER
• XI GIOVANNI MARTINELLI
• XII ANNA CASE
• XIII FLORENCE EASTON
• XIV MARGUERITE D'ALVAREZ
• XV MARIA BARRIENTOS BE YOUR OWN CRITIC
• XVII EDWARD JOHNSON
• XVIII REINALD WERRENRATH
• XIX SOPHIE BRASLAU
• XX MORGAN KINGSTON
• XXI FRIEDA HEMPEL
• WITH THE MASTER TEACHERS
• XXIII OSCAR SAENGER
• XXIV HERBERT WITHERSPOON
• XXV YEATMAN GRIFFITH
• XXVI J. H. DUVAL
• XXVII THE CODA