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CONCEPTS OF BREATHING 87 |
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the diaphragm is not the principal organ of breathing has been demonstrated in X-ray studies of individuals during sleep. . . . The diaphragm in contraction contributes not more than twenty-live per cent of the vital capacity." [415]
ORIFICIAL CONTROLS
All normal quiet respiration is through the nose but all normal vocal utterance is through the mouth. Singing teachers are not agreed as to whether it is best to use the nose exclusively when breathing for singing, or to use the mouth exclusively, or both. In the 25 opinions tabulated on this subject, 8 are for mouth breathing, 5 are for nose breathing and 12 approve the use of either. The controversy does not seem of vital importance to the singer except in so far as voluntary controls of any kind might disturb the spontaneous reflexes of the respiratory function. The statements herein given represent points of view on the three sides of this question.
Breathing through mouth advised. Mouth breathing is more conducive to open throat and prevents forced breathing, according to Dossert. [140, p. 39] The tongue will automatically assume a desirable low and inert position if the singer breathes through his mouth while singing. This is Henderson's claim. [240, p. 88] Furthermore, inhaling through the" nose is noisier and slower than inhaling through the mouth. [Ibid., p. 58] Others merely express the opinion that the singer must "breathe principally through the mouth, as in speaking." [E.g., Ryan 480, p. 63; Coleman 118, p. 9]
Breathing through nose advised. The only explanation offered in favor of nose breathing is by Kwartin. [325, p. 29] He declares that nose breathing is more hygienic than mouth breathing because it protects the lungs and mucous membranes from chill and micro-organisms. However, he adds, in extremely quick breathing it may be necessary to use the mouth momentarily. In this latter statement he agrees with Henderson above. Martino, although admitting that the mouth may be considered "a passage of necessity" nevertheless believes that it is better to take breath "through the natural passage—the nostrils." [375, p. 60] Novello-Davies specifies that the mouth should be closed while inhaling properly through the nostrils. [430, p. 107; also James 300, p. 15] Philip strongly favors nose breathing in singing, but adds the words "whenever possible." [446, p. 53]
Breathing through mouth and nose advised. "For big, rapid breaths the mouth must be used also," says Nicholson. [425, p. 108] Mme. Olden believes in using both mouth and nose but adds, "nose breathing should |
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