The use of high male voices in the past has long been one of the most seriously misunderstood areas of musical scholarship and practice. In opening up this rich subject (to readers of all sorts) with refreshingly clear perspectives and plenty of new material, Simon Ravens' well-researched book goes a very long way to rectifying matters. Ravens writes damnably well, and if the story that emerges is necessarily a complex one, his treatment of it is always engagingly comprehensible.' ANDREW PARROTT Tracing the origins, influences and development of falsetto singing in Western music, Simon Ravens offers a revisionist history of high male singing from the Ancient Greeks to Michael Jackson. This history embraces not just singers of counter-tenor and alto parts up to and including our own time but the castrati of the Ancient world, the male sopranists of late Medieval and Renaissance Europe, and the dual-register tenors of the Baroque and Classical periods. Musical aesthetics aside, to understand the changing ways men have sung high, it is also vital to address extra-musical factors - which are themselves in a state of flux. To this end, Ravens illuminates his chronological survey by exploring topics as diverse as human physiology, the stereotyping of national characters, gender identity, and the changing of boys' voices. The result is a complex and fascinating history sure to appeal not only to music scholars but to performers and all those with an interest particularly in early music. Simon Ravens is a performer, writer, and director of Musica Contexta, with whom he has performed in Britain and Europe, regularly broadcast, and made numerous acclaimed recordings. Ravens had previously founded and directed Australasia's foremost early music choir, the Tudor Consort. Between 2002 and 2007 his regular monthly column Ravens View appeared in the Early Music Review, to which he still regularly contributes.

Written to save careers one voice at a time through scientifically proven methods and advice, this resource teaches people how to protect and improve one of their most valuable assets: their speaking voice. Simple explanations of vocal anatomy and up-to-date instruction for vocal injury prevention are accompanied by illustrations, photographs, and FAQs. An audio CD of easy-to-follow vocal-strengthening exercises--including Hum and Chew, Puppy Dog Whimper, Sirens, Lip Trills, and Tongue Twisters--is also included, along with information on breathing basics, vocal-cord vibration, and working with students who have medical complications such as asthma, acid reflux, or anxiety.

The concept of this book is Inspirational, Motivational & Revelational Knowledge from the Holy Spirit which reveals the divine supernatural gift God almighty has deposited in mankind (Human being) when he formed and created us. This exposes us to the effectiveness, the power, the blessings and benefits of our VOICE. As many believe God placed in mankind our possessions, inheritance and blessings in us before we were born but the idea is; what reveals or makes it possible for the blessings in us come out of us to see and enjoy them? Our voice children of God, is a supernatural gift in us we need to value and motivate it to function properly.

God Wants to Talk to You! Many people go through life wishing they could hear from God. They long to know His plans and purposes for their lives, and they long to benefit from His direction in their daily decisions. The truth is, you were made to hear God's voice! God created you for intimacy with Him, and He longs to speak with you, moment by moment! "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me." --John 10:27, NLT In his latest book, You Can Hear God's Voice, author Kevin L. Zadai helps you develop your ability to hear God's words every day. Learn to recognize God's voice apart from other voices Encounter new clarity in knowing God's will Access your many rights and privileges as a believer Walk in increased discernment through Holy Spirit power Experience transformation by renewing your mind As you walk and talk with God, you'll find yourself living the abundant life of blessing that you were meant to live!

#1 New York Times bestselling author Dean Koontz gives a new meaning to “blood brothers” in this chilling novel of friendship gone awry... No one could understand why Colin and Roy were best friends. Colin was so shy; Roy was so popular. Colin was nervous around girls; Roy was a ladies’ man. Colin was fascinated by Roy—and Roy was fascinated by death. Then one day Roy asked his timid friend: “You ever killed anything?” And from that moment on, the two were bound together in a game too terrifying to imagine...and too irresistible to stop.