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CONCEPTS OF RESONANCE |
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that during phonation the firmness of the bony structures of the chest may produce synchronous vibrations that contribute to vocal resonance.
Entire body as resonator. Broadly speaking, the whole body is the sounding board of the voice. [Barbareux-Parry 34, p. 197] While it is true that vibrations are initiated in the vocal cords, the fact that these vibrations are extended throughout the bony structure of the body can be readily detected in any of its parts. [Harper 228, p. 41] In good singing, the entire body is coordinated and acts as a sounding board for the vocal tone. [Gould 206, p. 37] As Brown expresses it, "the texture of the singer's tone and the substance of his body . . . are an Invisible whole, continuously, coherently cooperating and functioning." [70] Dr. Marafioti in his unusual book entitled Caruso's Method of Voice Production sums up the case for vocal resonance by saying that the entire body is one complex vocal resonator, receiving and augmenting the vibrations that emanate In all directions from their origin in the vocal cords. Throaty constrictions, when present, prevent the vocal vibrations from radiating to all parts of the body resonator. [368, p. 102] Individual differences in vocal resonance between singers depend upon the structural differences In the human body with its contributing bones, cavities and tissues. [Ibid., p. 107]
Of course, if this be true, the tone quality and resonance of the vocal Instrument depend upon the muscle tone of the entire body. Therefore the entire body must be trained to serve as a vocal instrument. [Garnettl-Forbes 198, p. 81] Muscle tone or tension throughout the body affects vocal resonance in that limp and Inert muscles do not vibrate to sound waves as readily as muscles that are In the state of partial tension (tonus) or equilibrium that is characteristic of a healthy body. [Ibid., p. 64] Jessica Dragonette, concert and operatic singer, summarizes her opinion regarding resonance as follows: "I like to think of the singing body as a single large larynx. The throat gives out the sound, but the entire body sings!" [146]
Methods of Controlling Vocal Resonance
psychological approach
Expressional intent controls resonance. The correct function of any organ in the body is its natural, proper or characteristic action or use in life. (W) If, as Mackenzie claims, the function of the vocal organs is to express the thoughts and emotions of life, obviously the right expressional use of the voice would be the greatest factor in determining and maintaining its quality or resonance. [364, p. 23] Efficient tone production, then, demands emotional value as well as carrying power. In fact, tonal |
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