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TRAINING THE SINGING VOICE |
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The ah (sometimes called the Italian a) is the closest approximation to the matrix vowel of the singing voice and is therefore a favorite vehicle for practicing various vocalises and diction exercises. As Wodell expresses it, "the ah sensation throughout the throat is the model sensation for all the vowels." Thus, a correctly produced ah shows forth the possibilities of producing all other vowels. [680] Shakespeare finds that the consonant I before ah as in lah helps to free the tongue and throat. {hl1* P- 3°] Henley also claims that the reiterated lah is "the absolute standard for establishing the freedom of the throat" and for tuning the voice to exact pitch. [249] Grete Stueckgold, well known soprano of the Metropolitan Opera Company recommends the ah vowel as a basic vocalise for improving diction. "Do not sing exercises on ah/7 she declares. "Place a consonant before it. Sing ma or ha or la!" [594] Fory would alternate the use of ah and 00. £tOo is one of the singer's very best friends/* in any type of voice. [188] Hall also recommends that in beginning the study of a song the entire melody should be vocalized on an 00 sound. [S24] Remaining opinions on the importance of the ah vowel in training the singer's diction are represented by the following statements:
1. "It is the ideal vowel sound . . . for pure tone production." [Cbesnuit §6; Roland 280]
2. Start all vocalizing exercises on the vowel ah, "which best lends itself to the free opening" of the throat and mouth cavities. [Lombardi 353; Wodell 679]
3. The ah is the best open vowel sound for practice. It should be uttered freely and without* restraint. [Henderson 243, p. 45; Hemery
238, p. 74; Lewis 343, p. 2]
4. In attacking chest tones, think ah as if it were said at the base of the larynx. Sustain this ah mentally for the duration of the tone.
pagaxa 220, p. 37]
Sands reports that modem vocal methods have not varied greatly from those used in the days of Porpora (ca. 1750). Legato, messa di voce (Chapter ¥11) and the open ak techniques were in vogue then as now. [489; also Orion 439, p. 81] In a dissenting opinion, Philip claims that ah is the most difficult vowel sound to place because it is the most open sound. Therefore "it is inadvisable to commence . . . with the ah." [446, p. ioi] Finally, Wilson cautions the singing student against the careless substitution of uh for ah. This is "one of the most "harmful of practices, ... It thickens and deadens the voice." [674, II, p. 20]
Lingumi controls. The tongue is the principal organ of diction/'em- |
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