In:
Folia Phoniatrica et Logopaedica, S. Karger AG, Vol. 57, No. 5-6 ( 2005), p. 308-327
Abstract:
The transition between ‘chest’ and ‘head’ register is essential for male opera singers in order to reach the higher pitches. The ‘passaggio’, which is a scale passage where this transition takes place, but also a maneuver of register equalization, is typically difficult to learn. Studies on parameters for a definition of this transition are restricted to a small number of singers so far. Audio, electroglottographic, and equivalent subglottic pressure signals of 11 male opera singers were recorded while singing scales on open back vowels and passing the register transition. A spectrum analysis of the audio signal revealed that the second harmonic (H 〈 sub 〉 2 〈 /sub 〉 ) dominates in ‘chest’, resonated by the first formant (F 〈 sub 〉 1 〈 /sub 〉 ), together with the fourth harmonic (H 〈 sub 〉 4 〈 /sub 〉 ), supported by the second formant (F 〈 sub 〉 2 〈 /sub 〉 ). During the passaggio, H 〈 sub 〉 2 〈 /sub 〉 level decreases because it loses the resonance of F 〈 sub 〉 1 〈 /sub 〉 , while the third harmonic (H 〈 sub 〉 3 〈 /sub 〉 ) gains the resonance of F 〈 sub 〉 2 〈 /sub 〉 . At this point the H 〈 sub 〉 4 〈 /sub 〉 level drops because that harmonic is no longer supported by F 〈 sub 〉 2 〈 /sub 〉 . The transition from ‘chest’ to ‘head’ register is marked by characteristic changes in the amplitude patterns of the partials H 〈 sub 〉 2 〈 /sub 〉 , H 〈 sub 〉 3 〈 /sub 〉 , and H 〈 sub 〉 4 〈 /sub 〉 , and the frequency progressions of the first two formants, defining an objective distinction between the two registers.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1021-7762
,
1421-9972
Language:
English
Publisher:
S. Karger AG
Publication Date:
2005
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1482295-7
SSG:
7,11
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