Respiratory function in operatic singing: effects of emotional connection

The respiratory patterns of five professional operatic singers when performing with "emotional connection" (EC) as if communicating to an audience were compared with "technical" (T) singing as if rehearsing. Recordings of the performances were played to experienced listeners to provide independent confirmation of the singers' intentions. The findings show that, in comparison with T singing, EC singing, especially in the aria task, used more air with a greater percentage of vital capacity (VC) expired per second, but without a simple association with sound pressure level (SPL) or breath (phrase) duration. These findings suggest that the performing state of mind itself can effect technical results in operatic singing. Pedagogical implications are discussed.