Claron McFadden: Singing the primal mystery

Claron McFadden, a renowned soprano, shares her insights on the human voice's emotional power. She recounts a meditation retreat in Thailand, where she discovered the meditative nature of singing. McFadden introduces John Cage's 'Aria,' a piece allowing creative freedom, and performs it, showcasing its unique structure and expression.

What prestigious award did Claron McFadden receive in 2007?

• Nobel Prize in Literature

• Pulitzer Prize

• Amsterdam Prize for the Arts

• Grammy Award

According to Claron McFadden, what is the human voice a vessel for?

• Wealth

• Power

• Emotions

• Knowledge

Where did Claron McFadden go for a meditation retreat?

• Nepal

• Thailand

• Japan

• India

What song did Claron McFadden sing at the meditation retreat?

• O Sole Mio

• Amazing Grace

• Ave Maria

• Summertime

What realization did Claron McFadden have about singing and meditation?

• Singing provides calm and focus similar to meditation

• Singing is unrelated to meditation

• Singing is only for entertainment

• Singing is a form of exercise

Who composed the piece 'Aria'?

• Ludwig van Beethoven

• Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

• Johann Sebastian Bach

• John Cage

What is unique about the notation of John Cage's 'Aria'?

• It uses traditional musical notes

• It has no notation at all

• It is written in a secret code

• It uses only numbers

What does each color in 'Aria' represent?

• A different dance move

• A different language

• A different musical instrument

• A different type of singing

What types of sounds are represented by the dots in 'Aria'?

• Instrumental sounds

• Non-vocal sounds like sneezing or coughing

• Electronic sounds

• Vocal sounds

What languages are included in the text of 'Aria'?

• Multiple languages including Armenian and Russian

• Only Italian

• Only English

• Only French