How to Sing (Meine Gesangskunst)

This is not a casual guide to singing. It is a masterclass from one of the greatest voices of the nineteenth century, distilled from decades of performing at the highest levels of European opera. Lilli Lehmann possessed a technical mastery so complete that she could sing everything from Mozart to Wagner with equal authority, and in this expanded 1915 edition she sets down every principle, every sensation, every hard-won secret that made such versatility possible. The book is demanding because Lehmann herself was demanding: her standards were beyond the aspirations of most professional singers, and she expected nothing less from readers who serious about their art. Yet beneath the rigorous technique lies something deeper: a profound belief that beautiful singing is not merely about vocal production but about the communication of genuine artistic feeling. Illustrated with physiological diagrams and musical examples, this book covers everything from breath support and resonance to the interpretation of specific repertoire. It remains essential reading for anyone who wants to understand what classical singing truly is, not as entertainment but as serious artistic discipline.