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S8 TRAINING THE SINGING VOICE
therapy. [706] Mursell and Glenn would emphasize economy of effort throughout the vocal training period, induced by the proper "infusion of musical intelligence . . . into the movement complex required to actuate the [vocal] instrument. . . . The way to work for relaxation . . . is to work for economical coordination" and efficiency in actions and movements. [413, p. 244] Davies believes that relaxation is entirely controlled by the mind. [127, p. 104] Tension of body brings with it tension of jmnd and vice versa. Hence, the mental approach is favored. [Orton 439, p. 88] "The moment the thought is removed from a muscle it relaxes," says Clippinger. [104, p. 14] Mackenzie recommends energetic exercise for a short time at full tension in order to induce smooth coordination and ultimate relaxation of the larger body muscles. [364, p. 120] Novello-Davies suggests that complete relaxation be accomplished by lying lat on a couch. "Feel that the couch surface is bearing you up, and not that you are bearing down on it." [430, p. 38]
Economy of effort as a principle; letting versus striving. In correct singing, as in all forms of spontaneous vocal expression, "the body coordinate automatically to the thought." Employing this principle, the singer will manage his vocal organs without loss or waste of energy, strictly eliminating all superfluous effort and husbanding all his mental and physical resources so as to produce the best possible results with the minimum expenditure of energy. Thus, the natural efficiency of the correctly functioning vocal instrument spells economy of effort for the singer. [Harvard Dictionary of Music 704, article on "Voice."] In other words, do not strive to sing; let yourself sing. [Klingstedt 320, p. 48] Paul Althouse declares chat "singing should be as natural as speech." If any instructional method involves vocal tension or excessive effort, it is safe to assume that it is an improper method "and probably detrimental to the voice." [9] This opinion is corroborated by six other professional singers. "The very fact that the voice becomes tired is an indication of incorrect singing methods," says Frieda HempeL [239] "The well used voice does not tire." [Marian Anderson 12} Singing is an easy, effortless action. "If it feels like hard physical work, your method is probably wrong." [Beniamino Gigli 203] "Never force the voice" is Feodor Ghaliapin's advice. [95] Elizabeth Reth-teg acids: "Keep relaxed." Don't work to sing. "Imagine yourself simply a channel through which the tone pours." [463] Giovanni Martinelli writes that Ms singing teacher used no fixed, rigorous method at all. "He might me to relax and release my voice naturally." [373] The economy of eSovt principle is further described in the following typical summarizing statements:
1. Correct singing requires mental rather than physical effort and is |
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