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Writer's pictureKaymery Swart

Performing Media: Voices and Instruments (Continuation)

Voices: Part Two


Both physical attributes and trainkng contribute to a singer's voice range. More than two octaves cam be commanded by professional singers. Untrained voices, however, are restricted to typically 1 ½ octaves. In comparison to women's vocal cords, men have thicker ones; the result is pitches that are lower.


The grouping of voice ranges for ladies and men follows, orchestrated from most elevated to least.

(The basic ranges are soprano, alto, tenor, and bass.)


WOMEN

soprano

mezzo-soprano

alto (or contralto)


MEN

tenor

baritone

bass


Singing techniques differ broadly from one cture to another. This is because of contrasts in taste.


Example: compared to the west, Asian singing is more nasal. When it comes to classical music, western performers stand upright, whereas in India they sit on the floor. In West Africa, they bend forward.


Differences, too, exist within a single culture/nation. In the west, styles are as follows: folk, rock, classical, and jazz music. These are all sung differently. E.g. microphones are not essential for singers of the classical genre.


Western music was almost entirely vocal up until the late 1600s. Instrumental music matched vocal music in terms of significance as the 1700s came to a close. From that point forward, both choral and vocal musical pieces were conducted by composers, regardless of instrumentals. Compositions for male, female, and mixed choruses exist. These are normally a blend of altos, basses, sopranos, and tenors. Vocal works' accompaniment ranges from an entire orchestra to a single instrument such as a piano.

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