Page 73 - CJMay25

essential focus of the text: al, thought-provoking chapters each focus on
a specific choral work that has meant some-
What you see here is not an academic text- thing important to him over the course of
book. It is meant for someone with little to no (his) career… His chapters chronicle his own
experience in choir. We will share some of the experiences… It is revealing that the book is
things we have learned through our experienc- organized around great choral works and his
es as singers and conductors… Our intention experiences with them, rather than around
is to help make choral singing more accessible episodes of Bode’s own achievements and suc-
to new singers. We hope the content we share cesses. (pp. 9-10)
will help you on your choral journey. (pp. 11-
12) In this delightful, engaging, heartfelt memoir, con-
ductor and poet Robert Bode writes of his life and
Bumbach and Luethi have crafted an eleven-chapter professional journey through twelve compositions that
sequential “toolbox” that takes the reader on a com- have been especially meaningful to him as a conductor
prehensive walk through the life of a chorister, from and teacher. They range from Josquin (Ave Maria) and
equipment (including a cell phone policy), to reading Palestrina (Ave Redemptoris Mater), to Mozart (Ave Verum),
pitches and rhythms, score markings, body alignment, a Brahms (O schöne Nacht!), Finzi (My Spirit Sang All Day),
rehearsal guide (a walk-through of a “normal” rehears- Duruflé (Ubi caritas), and Lauridsen (Sure on This Shining
al), breathing for singing, auditions and solos, concert Night).
preparations, and the creatively titled ninth chapter, What makes this book such an engaging read are the
“Vowels Are Weird.” Each chapter ends with a summa- stories that complement each masterwork, including
ry titled “Key Tips,” which can serve as a reminder of leading music for his first funeral at a major church in
essentials for optimal choral participation for the more Austin, Texas; his commentary on the length and craft-
experienced conductor and singer. Of special note is ing of concerts; stories of his students and their first
the chapter “Breathing for Life, Breathing for Singing.” experiences selecting and using a baton; the “curse” of
A Quick Start Guide to Choral Singing is an ideal primer the Rachmaninoff Vespers; a performance at the White
for singers new to the choral art and can serve as a re- House for President and Mrs. Obama; and a fabulous
source for conductors of all ensembles. recipe for pumpkin spice muffins. Of special note are
the five principles Bode developed for his choirs after
Gregory M. Pysh singing an inspiring performance of the Brahms A Ger-
Van Wert, OH man Requiem in Carnegie Hall under the baton of Rob-
ert Shaw.
The true beauty of this publication is the reader
Hearts All Whole, Reflections on (Life and) is professionally informed while enjoying the life and
Twelve Choral Gems musical experiences of the author. For those who find
Robert Bode personal reading a guilty pleasure or a distraction from
GIA Publications, Inc., 2023 your own personal study and growth as a conductor,
171 pages Hearts All Whole will feed your spirit while rekindling
your love for the choral art.
In describing this book (and its author) to the reader,
Seattle Times Classical Music Critic Melinda Bargreen Gregory M. Pysh
writes precisely in the forward: Van Wert, OH

Inside the (singer’s) head is exactly where this
memorable book goes. Bode’s witty, person-

CHORAL JOURNAL May 2025 Volume 65 Number 8 71