Watching Renée Fleming conduct a master class proved one of the great pleasures of last week. This renowned opera singer came to Harvard on a Tuesday afternoon to help four undergrads with their singing and to answer questions from the audience. She was in the area to prepare for three Boston Symphony concerts later in the week.
Along with 400 other fans of this diva I came to hear and see her perform in a different setting from the opera or concert stage. The experience turned out to be satisfying because Fleming showed herself such a superb teacher as well as a master of music.
She treated each of the students with obvious appreciation of what they have accomplished thus far. At the same time, she gently suggested to them how they can improve. What could have been an intimidating experience for the three young women and one young man instead proved rewarding for each.
Fleming placed much emphasis on proper breathing. As she told one: “This is opening up very nicely – you’re getting more substance to your voice – once you get this whole breath opened up you’ll be surprised.” To another she said: “Muscle memory is everything – that’s why this training is so vital.” She advised another: “You have to pretend you’re the greatest singer.”
Among the frank responses Fleming made in the question period was this confession: “I’ve had periods of horrible stage fright.” Her remedy for this fix is: “Preparation – to be so secure that you will sing it in spite of yourself.”
Fleming seemed far removed from fright on the following Friday evening when she appeared on the stage at Symphony Hall. There, wearing a handsome green gown, she first sang the Four Last Songs of Richard Strauss, songs that I consider the most beautiful of the twentieth century. Then, with a change to a black dress after the intermission, she sang the soprano part in the last movement of Mahler’s Fourth Symphony.
The double exposure of last week to the person and the singing of one of America’s finest musical artists has left me with memorable pleasure.