Dear Vocalisters:
In classical singing style it is not acceptable to add breath to the tone
quality when singing soft. Soft singing should maintain the same clear
quality as loud singing with only a small reduction in the vocal ring due
to a reduction of vocal fold amplitude. This quality of soft singing will
still be able to be heard over an orchestra in a large hall if the
orchestration is appropriately structured.
The above criteria does not preclude the use of a breath admixture to the
tone for a particular dramatic effect but such usage is the exception, not
the rule.
Because singing with a mike allows the effect of whispering in ones ear, a
breathy tone is often used when singing softly for that personal one-to-one
effect. The amplification of the sound permits this procedure.
But it is a mistake to add breath to the tone when singing "classical"
music.
Regards
--
Lloyd W. Hanson, DMA
Professor of Voice, Vocal Pedagogy
School of Performing Arts
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ 86011
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