Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

The bass singer, with his range and tessitura at the bottom end of the scale, has unique difficulties finding suitable vocal music in his range. Most music is composed for medium or high voice and finding music for the bass voice or vocal music transposed into a key low enough for the bass to sing is often frustrating for the bass singer, his teacher, coach, and accompanist. This is particularly true of the young high school or college student or any bass that has not mastered his top notes. Additionally, the low bass (basso profondo) has even more difficulty finding appropriate repertory for his range.

The user of this annotated guide will find not only a wealth of vocal literature for the young or inexperienced bass, but vocal repertoire for all levels from beginner to professional. A necessary addition to the collections of professors and teachers of singing, bass and bass-baritone singers, vocal coaches, and accompanists.

Reviews provided by Syndetics

CHOICE Review

Ord brings his own extensive experience as performer and teacher to this annotated guide of works written for bass voice. The author addresses the common difficulty teachers of singing have in locating vocal literature suitable to bass voices at all levels of accomplishment. Opening chapters are devoted to lists of art-song anthologies and collections for the beginner bass. Several chapters cite songs suitable for bass singers of intermediate and advanced levels of accomplishment. Additional chapters deal with song cycles and sets, and with works for bass voice and instrumental ensemble, including solo cantatas. Sacred song anthologies and musical theater anthologies are itemized, as are spirituals, Christmas songs, and ballads. Composer and title indexes are appended. This sturdily bound book is a valuable pedagogical resource and should also be useful to every bass singer. Researchers; faculty; professionals. R. Miller; Oberlin College

Author notes provided by Syndetics

Alan J. Ord is Professor and Director of Opera at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. A past president of NATS (Northern Alberta Chapter), Dr. Ord has performed extensively in operas and concerts in the United States and Canada and has given presentations on repertoire for the bass voice at regional and national conventions of NATS.