Endoscopic Analysis of Laryngeal Biomechanics in Azerbaijani Mugham Singing: A Comparative Study with Western...

Mugham is a complex Azerbaijani vocal tradition characterized by modal improvisation, microtonal pitch organization, and culturally specific timbral goals. Despite its UNESCO-recognized heritage status, the biomechanical foundations of Mugham singing have not yet been empirically investigated. This study provides the first systematic endoscopic documentation of laryngeal and supraglottic vocal strategies in Mugham singers (khanandas) and compares them with those used in Western operatic singing.

Twenty-one professional singers participated in the study, including eight Western operatic singers (4 male, 4 female) and thirteen khanandas (7 male, 6 female). The participants ranged in age from 26 to 48 years (mean age = 38.1 ± 7.3 years). Flexible fiberoptic laryngostroboscopy was used to examine sustained vowel phonation, ascending and descending legato scales, and performance of the folk song Sarı Gelin. Biomechanical parameters were evaluated using a structured 0-3 rating scale.

Compared with opera singers, khanandas demonstrated elevated laryngeal posture, thin and tense vocal folds, aryepiglottic narrowing, reduced pyriform sinus width, and increased pharyngeal wall tension. Opera singers, in contrast, exhibited low and stable laryngeal posture, wider pharyngeal spaces, increased surface area at the marginal edge, and more relaxed supraglottic structures.

These findings provide the first direct and quantifiable visualization of Mugham-specific vocal tract adjustments. The results underscore the need for culturally contextualized approaches to vocal pedagogy and clinical voice assessment, while also offering a scientific basis for Mugham vocal training.

The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.