ABSTRACT
Chapter 4 proposes synthesis as a way of understanding the complex relationships between voice, music and text, and how that synthesis is embodied by a singer. This has repercussions on how a composer might redefine the objectives of composition. It explores different examples, which demonstrate some of the complexity and variety of available forms and how singers may respond to them. It relates how several composers’ experience and understanding of language influences their musical style and goes on to explore some working relationships between composers and writers or poets.
