Well, the same can be said about those like myself who are not bitching about the sound of their voices and are pleased by what they hear. We are all basing our opinions, whether neg or pos, on not even 30 seconds of singing. By that logic, none of us are equipped with the proper means to make any sort of judgement. That would make this a case of majority rules and poor Dave being wrong simpy because he's outnumbered in opinion.
Not saying that's the case, but with that logic, we should all shut up and not say a word based on 30 seconds of singing. It is a frustratingly persistent tactic used on these forums far too often that goes unnoticed and assumed to be logically sound.
I have a problem with Dave using his own intimate emotions and perspective as not only what is right and wrong, but what the rest of us consider to be right and wrong. He isn't even saying we SHOULD think that way, he's boldly assuming we all do. I don't think he's being an ass. I think he's sincere. Naive, but sincere.
Once again, this "conveying emotions through perfect singing" is Dave's personal experience. Dave creams himself when "perfect" singers like Lea Salonga "perfectly" sing a song. This "perfect" quality conveys emotions that Dave thinks originate in Salonga's "perfect" singing when they are actually Dave's own emotions at hearing what he perceives as "perfect" singing by Salonga. This mysterious emotion isn't actually intentionally conveyed by Salonga, because then many of us would feel it and produce remarks similar to Dave's.
But since this isn't a case of "majority rules" Dave could certainly be in the right. And he is "right" to Dave. It goes all wrong when what he believes to be right is imposed on us and the art form as if it's a given. This is all Dave. It has absolutely NOTHING to do with musical theatre but everything to do with being "impressed" by those who can do things that we, or most, can't do and the romanticization of that creating illusions of grandeur. It is an unfortunate aspect of pop that has been infecting musical theatre as of late.
And I've said it before, but Lea Salonga is great at what she does not because it is technically "perfect." Her art is deeper and more meaningful than that, just as musical theatre is more than a collection of instant gratifications.
Ideally, our response to a musical piece shouldn't be reminiscent of those typically seen at circus side shows and an artist in the theatre shouldn't be held in the same regard as a bearded woman or trained seal.
Recreation of original John Cameron orchestration to "On My Own" by yours truly. Click player below to hear.
