<p>Melisma–a run that makes many notes of one syllable, which is glorious when done well (e.g., by really good gospel singers) and generally awful on American Idol–is a subject that got some discussion here a year or so ago when the NY Times had an article on it. With the success of Jennifer Hudson and the return of American Idol, NPR has done a piece on it, interviewing a gospel scholar/producer. Here’s the link: <a href=“http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6791133[/url]”>How 'American Idol' Uses (and Abuses) Melisma : NPR;
<p>One quote I particularly like is this: “While a great gospel singer such as Aretha Franklin can employ melisma for dramatic purposes in a manner that seems true to the song’s message, singers today seem to indulge themselves in a manner that is both virtuosic and anonymous. And the more it is done, the worse it is done. Something that might have seemed fresh and charming in the beginning began to seem self-indulgent and, to many of us, exhibitionist.”</p>
<p>Haha, I don’t know which I hate more, classical melismas or its over-abundance in pop music!</p>
<p>Oftentimes I find myself mostly sticking to the melody of a song - most good songs can stand on their own, and one can add intensity in so many different ways. Depending on the style I might go off - of course in many cases melismas are appropriate!</p>
<p>Artsymom, thanks for the link; I’m sending it to my daughter who refuses to watch AI…in large part because of the overuse of melisma. I think as her pet peeves go, it’s second only to the butchering of the national anthem that is so common!</p>
<p>Speaking of the butchering of the National Anthem, have you seen the Saturday Night Live spoof from last fall? Maya Rudoph incorporates every possible different way of butchering it. Funniest thing I’ve seen in a long time. BTW, the skit is making fun of all the singers who attempt to “make it their own” and not making fun of the anthem or the USA.</p>
<p>Uhhh…by the way, the title of this thread should of course be “melisma revisited,” not “revisted.” I work as a writer and editor, so I am now oh-so-embarrassed…:-)</p>
<p>Musicmom, I did see that SNL skit…and laughed until I cried!</p>