In Celebration of the Human Voice - The Essential Musical Instrument

Nicola Vaccai

Vocal Coach

Nicola Vaccai

Born at Tolentino, he grew up in Pesaro, and studied music there until his parents sent him to Rome to study law. Having no intention of becoming a lawyer, he took voice lessons and eventually studied counterpoint with Giuseppe Jannaconi, an important Roman composer. When Vaccai turned twenty one, he went to Naples and became a disciple of Paisiello, whose Barber of Seville was considered a comic masterpiece until Rossini's Barber swept it from the stage a few years later.

Vaccai launched his career in Venice, initially earning his living by writing ballets and teaching voice. He had his first operatic success with I solitari di Scozia in Naples in 1815. In Parma he was commissioned to write Pietro il grande, where he was also one of the soloists in the first performance. This was followed by Zadig e Astartea (Naples, 1825) and then his best known opera Giulietta e Romeo (Milan, 1825).

Vaccai's sojourn in London began with a production of his most successful opera, Romeo and Juliet, at Kings Theatre in April, 1832. His charm and continental reputation ingratiated him to society and soon he was much sought after as a teacher.

Ending his wanderings with a return to Italy, Vaccai became a director and professor of composition at the Milan Conservatory in 1838. After six years he retired on account of poor health to his boyhood home, Pesaro, where he wrote his sixteenth opera. He died there in 1848.

Arrangements (See list of Arrangements.)

Displaying 1-4 of 4 items.

Nicola Vaccai : Practical Vocal Method for Mezzo-Soprano or Baritone

Review: Vaccai's masterly Method won increasing popularity with time, and was eventually used in conservatories all over the world. Even today it is often used by singing teachers, who consider it a collection of attractive Ariettas, each serving a particular function. And it is quite easy material, perfect for the beginning student.

Chapters: The Scale, Intervals of a Third, Intervals of a Fourth, Intervals of a Fifth, Intervals of a Sixth, Intervals of a Seventh, Intervals of an Octave, Semitones, Syncopated Mode, Introduction to Roulades, Ascending and Descending Appoggiaturas, The Acciaccatura, Intro to the Mordent, Different Types of Mordent, Intro to the Turn, The Turn, Intro to the Trill, Roulades, The Vocal Portamento, The Second Type of Poratamento, The Recitative, Epilogue

Nicola Vaccai : Vaccaj - Practical Vocal Method for Contralto or Bass

Review: Learning to sing means beginning an artistic journey full of rich and unexpected experiences. human voices touch hearts in every nation and yet the best singing has qualities that Italy originated and taught the world to admire. Singing can approach a quality of timeless beauty, yet songs preserve for us the feelings of particular times, whether recent or long ago. Singing gives both the singer and the listener a sensation of freedom and heartfelt expression. Vaccai's masterly Method won increasing popularity with time, and was eventually used in conservatories all over the world. Even today it is often used by singing teachers, who consider it a collection of attractive Ariettas, each serving a particular funtion. And it is quite easy material, perfect for the beginning student. This method book is tailored towards Contralto and Bass voices.

Chapters: La Scala, Intervalli Di Quarta, Intervalli Di Sesta, Intervalli Di Settima, Intervalli Di Ottava, I Semitoni, Modo Sincopato, Introdzione Alle Volate, Le Appoggiature Sopra E Sotto, Introduzione Al Mordente, Introduzione Al Gruppetto, Introduzione Al Trillo, Le Volate, Modo Per Portare La Voce, Il Recitativo, Riepilogo