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Blend in Singing Ensemble Performance: Vibrato Production in a Vocal Quartet
1Department of Electronics, York Centre for Singing Science, University of York, York, England, United Kingdom.
Journal of Voice : Official Journal of the Voice Foundation
|November 14, 2016
Summary
Singers adjust vocal vibrato to enhance ensemble blend, sometimes unconsciously. Further research into vibrato synchrony and perception can improve vocal training and prevent injury.
Area of Science:
- Vocal Pedagogy
- Acoustic Phonetics
- Music Performance Science
Background:
- Vocal blend is crucial for ensemble performance.
- Vibrato is often controlled or restricted by directors to achieve blend.
- Analyzing individual voices in ensembles presents technical challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate vibrato production as a contributing factor to vocal blend.
- To explore how singers adjust vibrato in an ensemble context.
- To analyze conscious and subconscious changes in vibrato during rehearsals.
Main Methods:
- Ecological study of a vocal quartet.
- Recording ensemble performance using head-worn microphones and electrolaryngograph electrodes.
- Fundamental frequency analysis of individual voices over several weeks of rehearsal.
Main Results:
- Singers make adjustments to vibrato to improve blend.
- Instances of vibrato synchrony between voice parts were observed.
- Conscious vibrato alterations for blend were not always reflected in data, suggesting perceptual influences.
Conclusions:
- Vibrato plays a role in achieving vocal blend.
- Further research is needed on vibrato synchronicity and the interplay between expectation and production.
- Understanding vibrato in ensembles can enhance rehearsal techniques, vocal training, and prevent vocal pathologies.
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