Perspectives on straight-tone singing in Western Classical music
Straight-tone singing in Western Classical music is a highly controversial subject. The primary objective of this study was to determine whether singing with a straight-tone was considered healthy or not and whether it is encouraged or recommended in performances today for aesthetic reasons. A secondary objective was to determine how a straight-tone could be produced healthily, if at all. Select opinions of three professional teachers and three international performers about straight-tone singing were solicited. Qualitative interviews were used and their findings compared to those in literature. To put straight-tone singing into a context of vocal health, the vocal physiology and acoustics of a normal functioning voice are discussed. Since a straight-tone is referred to as a vocal fault, vocal health issues are also examined. The question of aesthetics includes reference to straight-tone singing in ensembles or choirs and Early Music and opinions of its use in these contexts is discussed. The nature of the study was qualitative because of the subjective opinions at the centre of the research. The findings of this study are inconclusive as to whether straight-tone singing should be employed or not. However, key findings in this study were that some sources are in favour of straight-tone usage for reasons of taste and some are strongly against it, mostly for reasons of health but also sometimes for aesthetic reasons. Those sources that advocate straight-tone usage also advise against its prolonged use because of vocal health concerns. This study is relevant for all singers, choral directors, teachers of singing and all professionals involved with voice usage, for whom it is essential to have clear definitions of the concepts of straight-tone singing and vibrato and their possible effects on the voice, before they advocate or reject either. It is recommended that further investigation be done into straight-tone singing with a broader sample group of interviewees including professional ensemble singers and voice science specialists.
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