Outstanding tenor Mykhailo Holyynskyi: instructions for future professional vocalsits

The article is devoted to M. Holynskyi’s advice to young vocalists who want to reach artistic heights in the art of mastering the voice. The outstanding Ukrainian singer performed phenomenally on European stages, as well as on the North American Continent, where he came in 1938 on tour and stayed forever. A kind of generalization of performance experience with a tour about future generations is contained in skilfully presented memories that combine the features of a diary, autobiography and memoir. Here are described important events of his own life, obstacles and difficulties, creative ups – own and others, artistic atmosphere of Lviv and other Ukrainian and foreign cities, portraits of people with whom he had opportunity to communicate are described here. In addition to that, the singer singled out important remarks of notable teachers-vocalists, techniques and methods tested by him, which related not only to professional subtleties, but also to the psychological adjustment, mental and physical health of an artist. It is emphasized that M. Holynskyi did not engage in teaching activities, because he completely focused on performance. But the “mediated” pedagogical approach gives the book a didactic weight. Studying with famous professors whom the M. Holynskyi greatly respected, analysing their methods and his own artistic practice allowed him to develop individual views on vocals. The “school” served as measure of vocal professionalism for an distinguished singer, which was as necessary for a novice vocalist as his special vocal and general artistic abilities. However, M. Holynskyi was concerned not only with a good school (professionalism) in vocals. In addition, he sought to pass on stable nation-patriotic principle, which are always so important for Ukrainians and are especially actually in our wartime.