![]() ![]() Excellence in execution is not by such virtue virtuosic. We can admire various manifestations of excellence, but their qualities do not measure up to the characteristics of virtuosity. And although the cheetah is perfectly suited to find food to feed her cubs, the intentional development of techniques and a conscious plan to attack her prey is questionable she acts out of instinct. ![]() Its casual use suggests that virtuosity can be found everywhere, from auto mechanics to baristas and even include, as Howard describes, cheetahs on the hunt and the kill. If you only surmise what virtuosity is, you will become intimately aware of its meaning and all its ramifications. Moreover, this book is a must-read for anyone working with performing artists Howard covers the performance arts broadly, including theatre and dance as well. ![]() Nevertheless, this is a must-read for voice and instrumental students and their teachers, coaches, and accompanists. While the writing is in fine style, there are too many occasions where the reader may be hampered by having to pause to reconsider what was stated, especially in some of the longer sentences, or because a dictionary consultation is warranted. As the author states, "his book offers an interpretation, analysis, and reconstruction of the concept of virtuosity which plays so prominent a role in historical, critical, and theoretical discussions of artistic performance."1 The book is not an easy read, however, because of Howard's customarily esoteric vocabulary. There may be one other book on virtuosity, but nothing that approaches the depth of argument put forth by V. Howard, Charm and Speed: Virtuosity in the Performing Arts (New York: Peter Lang, 2008) ![]()
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