how to: Listen to the tenor voice | how to: Academy

As the voice of both the tragic hero and the romantic lead, the tenor has a complex place in musical history. With roots in the 16th century, it perhaps reached its widest audience in the 90s with "the three tenors" – Pavorotti, Domingo and Cerrearas. It is at once the reflective sound of French mélodie, English art song and German lied and the bold, dramatic force of opera. 

To guide enthusiasts through the rich shades of melody held in a tenor voice, the how to: Academy are holding an in-depth seminar. Under the expert guidance of Ian Rosenblatt, founder of the eponymous Recital Series at the Wigmore Hall and owner of London’s oldest record shop, the class will explore the varieties and significance of the tenor, spanning the baroque, classical and romantic periods. As well as sharing his experience in creating the only concert programme dedicated to art song and opera, Rosenblatt will play recordings both of legendary tenors and rising stars.