Philippe Jaroussky: The Chart Of A Counter Tenor
Author: Semiramis Appiamo

Philippe Jaroussky is perhaps the most prominent French counter
tenor of the century.  He has a voice of great power and beauty
– "the tone of an angel and the virtuosity of the Devil," one
French critic wrote.

But a counter tenor?  It's important to note that this is a
conscious choice for the male singer.  He could sing baritone or
bass, but chooses to, as voice teacher David Jones phrases it,
sing what is a female sound in a male body.

What does it take to enter this field?  One must be both
courageous and gifted, adventuresome, forward-thinking and
extremely agile.  The music demands consummate artistry and high
hurdles for the voice.  Jaroussky "seems to have endless breath,
singing long extended lines with total ease," writes one
reviewer.

An Aquarius with Gemini rising, Philippe Jaroussky seems to
have what it takes.

According to voice teacher, David Jones, the counter tenor is a
voice type often misunderstood, sometimes thought as a `freak of
nature.'  As to why someone would choose to do this, Jones
postulates:  "Perhaps this gets attention.  It is certainly the
aspect of the counter tenor that fascinates audiences."  Jones
feels there is a definite personality type connected.

Counter tenors must develop the falsetto voice with such
strength that it has power and resonance similar to a
full-voiced sound.  The lower the original voice, the stronger
and more beautiful the falsetto.  To do this, they must "hold
back tremendous amounts of breath pressure with the body" and
have tremendous agility.

Take a look at Jaroussky singing a Vivaldi aria as he wins 2007
Best French lyrical award.  This happened at his Saturn Return –
of course.  Here it is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zQX2XqAE8c .

Now lets look at Jaroussky's chart. He was born February 13,
1978 in Maisons Lafitte, France.  He studied violin first,
receiving a diploma in violin performance from the Paris
Conservatory, department of Ancient Music.  In 1996, he began
vocal studies and made the decision to be a counter tenor.

Sun in Aquarius gives him the ability to span centuries and
always want what's new and different.  Most of the works for
counter tenors are Monteverdi (this is going waaay back),
Vivaldi, Handel … Baroque. They are so old they are new.  Being
bored with the status quo is what Aquarius is all about.  Making
this decision is the sort of offbeat things Aquarians do.  With
that extremely objective mind and good powers of observation, he
could study the field and find a niche, just quirky enough, that
would really make his career go.  After all, he could be just
another of the hundreds, even thousands, of baritones out there.


The incredible agility is typical of Gemini rising.  They are
extremely active by nature.  Take a look at his face and vocal
movements and then listen to how fast he talks when he receives
the award.  It's quick as Mercury.  Gemini rising needs to be
involved in many things, and all the travel this sort of career
requires should be especially enjoyable to him.  He went from
violin, to voice, and then formed his own instrumental ensemble,
Artaserse.  That was something NEW he could do.

With Mercury in 14 degrees Aquarius, we seal the deal.  An
original thinker who enjoys shocking others.  Well what were we
saying. There is always fascination when we hear/watch a counter
tenor.  This Mercury demands mental and intellectual
stimulation, and this is something to learn that requires that
sort of work.

The discipline and breathwork it takes, is in the Taurus moon.
Along with this incredible agility there is the steadiness and
calmness.  The Moon is how the person feels.  While he is
cavorting all over the musical scale, he's very centered.  If
you watch the video you will notice that he is not the slightest
bit nervous.  This is a mercurial energy, not nervous energy,
and it plays against a solid backbeat.  We get the sense this
performance – extremely rigorous – does not exhaust him, as it
might someone with another sign and rising sign.

Enjoying being offbeat it also in his Mercury at 14  Degrees
Aquarius and his Venus at 29 degrees.  He even attracts friends
who are exciting, different, and sometimes even odd.

With his chart, he would become angry easily if he felt he were
slighted (wonder what would've happened had he not gotten the
award), and it's best he show it and deal with it immediately.
His fluid emotional expressions would reveal that he probably
does this, in a very fluid manner, which is the best style for
him.  He is obviously thrilled to receive the award, and would
never think of hiding it.

Yes, with Jupiter in 26 degrees Gemini, he just loves a big
problem to work on, and has the ability to grasp abstractions
and a powerful intellect.  As any voice teacher will tell you,
you have to set aside ego and go after something like counter
tenor, and almost from an intellectual standpoint, as it is not
something that ever comes "naturally" to someone.

Philippe Jaroussky, a man to watch.  And to listen to.
Absolutely beautiful.


About The Author: Semiramis,
http://www.webstrategies.cc/PsychicSemiramis.htm,
mailto: semiramis.appiamo@hotmail.com.  Email and phone readings,
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