THE USE OF THE TECHNIQUE IN BOTH CLASSICAL AND FOLK SONG IN OCCIDENTAL SINGING

  • Published : 1986.12.01

Abstract

Our report refers to occidental vocal techniques from Greece until today. It is remarkable that even with poor anatomy knowledge, there were advices on styles given from very early periods, for both church and secular singing. During the 18th century, the names of "vox pectoris", "vox guturris" and "vox capitis" appear, nominations that somehow remain nowadays with great confusion about source of sound production and results of resonance. Vocal occidental styles developed different kinds of requirements from the singers, that had to adapt their vocal Possibilities to them. The same happened with "pop" song. Nowadays, all kinds of singers must have a conscious knowledge of its voice management to prevent vocal disturbances. We consider that the technique is the same, even when the singer has to sing Wagner, Debussy, Sconberg, Piazzola or Gershwin. The big changes occured at resonance levels, and because these different use of the vocal resonators the effects are quite different. In summary, the big differences on classical the effects are quite different. In summary, the big differences on classical and pop song are done on the different use of the resonators and its effects on the vocal tract. "Pop" singers, men and women, should be taught to use both registers, "modal" and "falsetto" to be able to reach the complete range of their songs without any harm to their larynxes. In our opinion, a good singing technique means that it could be adapted to every stylistic need. The same technique is adapted to the popular singer as well. The main difference lays on the use of resonators, pretty strong in the classic singer, weaken in the popular singer, on the volume and on the total extension of the voice. Breathing control, effortless emission and the use of "passage" at the right point should be taught to all singers, regardless of their style. (omitted)

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