--- In vocalist-temporary@yahoogroups.com, Karen Mercedes <dalila@R...> wrote: > I think perhaps one reason we may have (or appear to have) fewer > contraltos and basses is that modern vocal technique tends to discourage "covering" to artificially darken the voice.
Karen and Listers;
So, is this really about the selection of vowel colors & resonance balance appropriate to a specific piece of literature? That seems to me to be an aesthetic consideration, a choice, more than a vocal technical issue.
Now, as to the way one 'covers' tone in that range, let me offer some other opinions. First, though doing it definitely _feels_ like a cover is being put on, to my ear, what is actually happening is that the singer is increasing the intensity of muscle action of the crico- thyroid, in effect, making the tone 'head-ier' in a region of the voice usually dominated by the action of the thyro-arytenoids. The net effect of strong action in both these muscle groups (whether done by men or women) produces a very full resonance with significant energy in the lower harmonics, and somewhat less energy in the upper ones. We subjectively interpret these sounds as deep, warm, lush, smooth, etc. If an accompanying modification is made to the resonator adjustments, the effect can be emphasized or mitigated at the singer's choice.
Karen, a question for you: When you sing with this tone, what happens to the 'cover' sensation if you sing an octave arpeggio from low to middle voice? Does your voice transition automatically to your midvoice using the same resonance adjustment (that is, position of the tongue, lips, jaw, etc)? Just curious, as I have never had the distinct pleasure of training a contralto. :-)
Best Regards,
Steven Fraser
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