Singing Like Callas and Caruso


Book Description

"Behind every weakness hides a talent!" is Dr. Karin Wettig's personal revelation. With her divorce came an almost total loss of her speaking voice. When voice therapy didn't heal her, she decided to look for a cure in singing. Mozart Arias & her passion for Belcanto, Maria Callas, Adelina Patti and the divas of Caruso's time found a home in her heart, never to depart. She left her home, her career, her husband, her friends and her business in northern Germany to pursue her dream to be a Belcanto singer. Once settled in Munich, her adventurous journey from a lost speaking voice to becoming a coloratura soprano began. Personal voice trainers, Belcanto teachers & Opera Schools from all over Europe were as disillusioning as her experience in a famous local choir. An inspiring master class with Ann Reynolds gave her the impulse to write her first Belcanto Guide for singing. Still not satisfied with her voice, she started modeling Maria Callas and exploring body therapies such as Alexander Technique, Rolfing, Cantieni and Yoga. The way to her authentic voice was a path paved with lonely nights in dark churches, practicing Belcanto repertoire from Farinelli to Mozart, Bellini, Rossini and Verdi. Studying Belcanto videos, she dove deeply into the physical aspects of opera singing, while her musicological curiosity made her travel to the origins and sources of Belcanto in the Renaissance. Suddenly miracles started happening: Her teeth aligned, her chin and jaw movement became smoother, her stiff tongue melted. In the end, she enjoyed an upright posture, better proportions, 1.5 cm more in height, emotional balance, cured sinusitis and healthy self-esteem. Her efforts were rewarded with a brilliant coloratura soprano voice. Asked for a transcript of her voice classes, she wrote her personal method down. The result is this book: An intuitive, heartfelt, yet practical approach to achieving excellence in Belcanto through effortless singing. "Body & voice awareness is the ke







Pulmonary Rehabilitation


Book Description

Pulmonary rehabilitation programmes are a fundamental part of the clinical management of patients with chronic respiratory diseases. This comprehensive reference book places pulmonary rehabilitation within the wider framework of respiratory disease. Now in six parts, it includes new sections on the development of PR as a discipline, global perspectives on quality control, new chapters on early PR post exacerbation and personalized rehabilitation, innovative approaches to exercise, PR in interstitial lung disease and lung transplantation, and the latest research into the application of music, dance and yoga. Key Features Global contributions compare practice around the world where differences have developed. New six Part structure covers new approaches to exercise testing, interstitial lung diseases and other diseases, and add-on interventions drawing on new technologies. Contains recommendations of the large collaborative ERS/ATS task forces on guidelines for PR as well as suggested policies for its implementation and use. Covers the important topic of balance impairment as a focus of rehabilitation for the at-risk patient and a new chapter on monitoring physical activity. The voices of patients and caregivers describe the impact of chronic respiratory disease on their lives. Features an exclusive chapter on COVID-19 that discusses the short- and long-term pathophysiological consequences, provides information about the potential role of physiotherapy in the management of hospitalized patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19, and details on who, where, and how to deliver programs to COVID-19 and non COVID-19 patients in the lockdown and post lockdown era.




Comparison of Learning Classical Singing Between European and Chinese Singers


Book Description

Two musical worlds collide when East meets West in the new book Comparison of Learning Classical Singing Between European and Chinese Singers.Zhong Jun Shen puts her training and knowledge of European opera and lieder together with her Chinese background to write this fascinating work that incisively shows the differences between the two forms of classical music. Peter Simon helps her as an interpreter, accompanist and opera enthusiast to put her text into a highly informative book to help emerging Chinese opera singers and their teachers grapple with the differences of singing techniques, languages and cultures.The tremendous cultural and language differences presented obstacles in writing this book, but a love for music conquered all.About the Authors: Zhong Jun Shen and Peter Simon have both been teachers and used their life experiences to write this book. Shen grew up and graduated as a European opera singer in Xian, North China, and in Arnhem, the Netherlands, and taught singing in South China. Born in Hungary, Simon taught English there and in China. They both live in the Netherlands.Author website: https: //learningeuropeanandchinesesinging.wordpress.comPublisher's website: http: //www.strategicpublishinggroup.com/title/ComparisonOfLearningClassicalSinging.html




The Singer's Guide to Complete Health


Book Description

Anthony F. Jahn, MD, internationally acclaimed otolaryngologist and Director of Medical Services at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, offers a comprehensive guidebook on a wide range of health and disorders that affect the voice. A vital tool for singers, voice teachers, and choral directors, The Singer's Guide to Complete Health empowers vocal performers to take charge of their own minds and bodies, providing advice about a variety of health issues that affect professional well-being as well as remedies to the most important and common health problems that singers face in their careers. Dr. Jahn has invited a diverse group of health care specialists and music professionals to share their expertise and tips with singers and their teachers. The chapters cover a broad spectrum of topics, including not only vocal issues, but also general physical and psychological well-being, diet, and exercise, accompanied by easy-to-follow illustrations, diagrams and charts. Each chapter provides a clear explanation of an aspect of health of practical relevance to vocalists. The book enables singers to make informed decisions about their own health, and gives guidance on seeking appropriate professional help and self-remedies. It includes numerous suggestions on ways to prevent illness and maintain a healthy vocal lifestyle, not only with traditional methods such as diet, exercise, and Alexander technique, but also holistic approaches such as meditation, yoga, tai chi, acupuncture, and Chinese herbs. A comprehensive blend of professional voice expertise and medical science, The Singer's Guide to Complete Health is an essential addition to bookshelves and medicine cabinets of both singers and those who care for them.




The Complete Book of Chinese Health and Healing


Book Description

Here is the first complete manual of Chinese medicine specifically written for the layperson. Filled with illustrated exercises and recipes, this book offers a unique, integrated system of preventive health care so that now anyone can promote good health, longevity, and spiritual awareness using these traditional techniques. Included are: • Key concepts of Chinese medical theory • Dozens of illustrated T'ai Chi and Chee-gung exercises • The Chinese approach to healing common ailments • Authentic secrets of Taoist sexual yoga • Therapeutic food recipes and herbal tonics • Alternative treatments for diseases such as AIDS and cancer • Resource listings: teachers, schools, centers, stores, and mail-order suppliers




Baguazhang (Emei Baguazhang)


Book Description

This comprehensive guide explains the principles and practices essential for Bagua training.




Chinese Medical Qigong


Book Description

Correlating the traditional therapies of Qigong with the most recent outcomes of scientific research, this is the authoritative introduction to the knowledge system and content of Qigong study. Substantially revised and updated reflecting changes made to the new Chinese edition, the text now has an accompanying DVD showing the forms in action, new information about key concepts and practice, and coverage of the applications of Qigong for a range of medical conditions. The only official textbook used in colleges of traditional Chinese medicine in China, this is an essential reference for medical and health practitioners working in complementary and alternative therapies.




Chinese Martial Arts Training Manuals


Book Description

Secret training manuals, magic swords, and flying kung fu masters—these are staples of Chinese martial arts movies and novels, but only secret manuals have a basis in reality. Chinese martial arts masters of the past did indeed write such works, along with manuals for the general public. This collection introduces Western readers to the rich and diverse tradition of these influential texts, rarely available to the English-speaking reader. Authors Brian Kennedy and Elizabeth Guo, who coauthor a regular column for Classical Fighting Arts magazine, showcase illustrated manuals from the Ming Dynasty, the Qing Dynasty, and the Republican period. Aimed at fans, students, and practitioners, the book explains the principles, techniques, and forms of each system while also placing them in the wider cultural context of Chinese martial arts. Individual chapters cover the history of the manuals, Taiwanese martial arts, the lives and livelihoods of the masters, the Imperial military exams, the significance of the Shaolin Temple, and more. Featuring a wealth of rare photographs of great masters as well as original drawings depicting the intended forms of each discipline, this book offers a multifaceted portrait of Chinese martial arts and their place in Chinese culture.




Respiratory Muscle Training


Book Description

Respiratory Muscle Training: theory and practice is the world's first book to provide an "everything-you-need-to-know" guide to respiratory muscle training (RMT). Authored by an internationally-acclaimed expert, it is an evidence-based resource, built upon current scientific knowledge, as well as experience at the cutting-edge of respiratory training in a wide range of settings. The aim of the book is to give readers: 1) an introduction to respiratory physiology and exercise physiology, as well as training theory; 2) an understanding of how disease affects the respiratory muscles and the mechanics of breathing; 3) an insight into the disease-specific, evidence-based benefits of RMT; 4) advice on the application of RMT as a standalone treatment, and as part of a rehabilitation programme; and finally, 5) guidance on the application of functional training techniques to RMT. The book is divided into two parts – theory and practice. Part I provides readers with access to the theoretical building blocks that support practice. It explores the evidence base for RMT as well as the different methods of training respiratory muscles and their respective efficacy. Part II guides the reader through the practical implementation of the most widely validated form of RMT, namely inspiratory muscle resistance training. Finally, over 150 "Functional" RMT exercises are described, which incorporate a stability and/or postural challenge – and address specific movements that provoke dyspnoea. Respiratory Muscle Training: theory and practice is supported by a dedicated website (www.physiobreathe.com), which provides access to the latest information on RMT, as well as video clips of all exercises described in the book. Purchasers will also receive a three-month free trial of the Physiotec software platform (via www.physiotec.ca), which allows clinicians to create bespoke training programmes (including video clips) that can be printed or emailed to patients. - Introductory overviews of respiratory and exercise physiology, as well as training theory - Comprehensive, up-to-date review of respiratory muscle function, breathing mechanics and RMT - Analysis of the interaction between disease and respiratory mechanics, as well as their independent and combined influence upon exercise tolerance - Analysis of the rationale and application of RMT to over 20 clinical conditions, e.g., COPD, heart failure, obesity, mechanical ventilation - Evidence-based guidance on the implementation of inspiratory muscle resistance training - Over 150 functional exercises that incorporate a breathing challenge - www.physiobreathe.com - access up-to-date information, video clips of exercises and a three-month free trial of Physiotec's RMT exercise module (via www.physiotec.ca)