Dear Mike and Randy and Vocalisters:
First, I don't think you misrepresented Titze's view on the raised
larynx, Mike, only that the thoughts as presented implied more than
he expressed. Your clarification corrected all of that.
There is no doubt that the tendency of singers and voice teachers has
leaned strongly toward a lowered larynx ever since the demands placed
on opera singers by larger halls and large orchestras has taken
place. I am reminded, however, that Wagner preferred "bel canto"
singers for his works and was most disappointed in the heaviness and
weighty qualities of the singers that were provided for his operas.
Evidently Wagnerian tradition has gone it own way and not necessarily
represented the desire of the Master.
However, it has been my experience that many voices of modest size
become voices of substantial size, carrying power, and richness
through careful study and years of proper preparation. Opera voice
must be "grown" and not made. It is my opinion that the large voices
Titze mentions are, indeed, the exception and often display their
wares at an early age and with little instruction or monitored
preparation.
I also have observed that many voices that have taken the time and
acquired the necessary skills and preparation for an opera career do
not display an unnaturally lowered larynx but, rather, a larynx that
is in a more normal position. This is possible because the voice has
grown into its size through proper training during to mature into a
truly professional instrument.
I think the voices of which Titze speaks are, indeed, the unusual
voices who become professionals at an earlier age and without the
need for as much monitored preparation. We love the "natural" today
and have a tendency to discredit the "grown". Perhaps it justifies
our penchant for instant gratification. It makes the idea of needing
years of study unnecessary and puts all successful performers into
the category of special people who are born with special gifts. If
we don't have those gifts it is really not possible for use to
achieve their level of performance and we might as well not attempt
that "years of study" thing.
--
Lloyd W. Hanson
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