Video of the Week - Mahalia Jackson
FROM WIKIPEDIA: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahalia_Jackson
Mahalia Jackson (October 26, 1911 – January 27, 1972) was an American gospel singer. Possessing a powerful contralto voice, she was referred to as "The Queen of Gospel". Jackson became one of the most influential gospel singers in the world and was heralded internationally as a singer and civil rights activist. She recorded about 30 albums (mostly for Columbia Records) during her career, and her 45 rpm records included a dozen "golds"—million-sellers.
"I sing God's music because it makes me feel free," Jackson once said about her choice of gospel, adding, "It gives me hope. With the blues, when you finish, you still have the blues."
USING THE EVALUATION VOCABULARY FROM THE ADJUDICATION FORM (PROVIDED IN CLASS), EVALUATE MS. JACKSON'S PERFORMANCE IN THIS VIDEO
1. How would you describe her voice? She is a professional soprano. Do you agree with this classification? Does it sound like the same voice throughout her range? Are all of her vowels consistent? Does she make it sound easy? Does it seem like she is really working hard to create the sound she is making?
2. Using some of the things we emphasize in class, how you would evaluate her posture, her jaw placement (is it open? is it closed? Does it look like the space in the back is high?), and her facial and body expression?
3. There is a certain level of artistry to create the mood of the piece. What mood do you think she is trying to convey? How does she do that in the way she sings the piece?
4. Be sure to answer the questions using some of the terminology on the adjudication form provided to you in class.
Compose your answers in 1-2 paragraphs of approximately 5-8 sentences, and submit either online at:
or email to:
MAHALIA JACKSON: HOLD ME
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