It has been my observation that many of today’s voice students and singers do not possess a rich knowledge of the great singers of the past. This history is, after all, the basis that each subsequent generation builds upon. In an effort to expose my own students to some of the notable singers from the past, I have begun creating this series of “lectures” – podcasts, if you wish – that highlight many of the wonderful singers in each decade of the 20th century. Each episode is about 35-40 minutes in length. It is not possible, of course, to showcase all of the fine singers from each decade, but I have tried to play examples of the finest and most notable. Regrettably some have been skipped over due to time constraints. These “lectures” are not intended to be music history lessons. My only objective was to showcase these great voices and not to illuminate opera or vocal technique. The series begins with some of the earliest recordings and proceeds onward by decade. It is not yet a complete project, but I promise you I will finish it as time allows. Feel free to share these with your students, friends, whomever…listening to great voices is a delight and there is so much to learn!

Part One of a Survey of Historically Important Singers of the 20th Century (1900-1909)

Part Two of a Survey of Historically Important Singers of the 20th Century (1910-1919)

Part Three of a Survey of Historically Important Singers of the 20th Century (1920-1929)

Part Four of a Survey of Historically Important Singers of the 20th Century (1930-39)