Greetings,
In the Pavorotti masterclass YouTube video, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uo6dDQiBGyI, he talks about how vocal tone is created by keeping the vocal cords in a position of rest, vibrating in the middle, allowing for easier navigation of intervals, both descending and ascending.
I interpret this to mean... encouraging good head position and avoiding unneeded use of muscles in the neck and throat so that the cords can continue to vibrate freely through the interval. Of course, the same concepts are applicable to wind and brass instruments for smoother, easier register changes.
When Pavorotti says,"jumping down, jumping down to the other sound...like an animal," I picture a cougar leaping from a rock, using its entire body in an efficient and beautiful movement.
It is useful to understand exactly where the vocal chords are located, and exactly what they do. If you are interested, watch
Video Stroboscopy of the Vocal Cords: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajbcJiYhFKY
Famous character actor Mel Blanc’s vocal cords in action doing some of his moved loved cartoon characters:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejVQEFbIfmI
I hope this helps your understanding of vocal cord function and good use of throat and neck muscles.
Catherine
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 23, 2008
An Alexander Technique Tip from watching Pavorotti
Greetings,
I have just returned from the NYC Masterclass with Keith Underwood and Anne Waxman, Alexander Teacher. This was one of the very best classes I have ever attended. I will share many things with you about this experience, but today I will just start by directing you to a video Keith showed us at the beginning of class.
In this YouTube video Pavorotti talks in a masterclass about "covered sound vs. white sound: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uo6dDQiBGyI
At about : 40 he sings an F-sharp arpeggio in "white sound" and says of this tone, "I suspect a strangle." You can actually see his neck shorten. He then sings with "covered sound" and you can see his head rise above his torso with free AO joint. Amazing sound and clearly visible AT clue.
Also notice the minimal effort he seems to use in making this excellent sound.
The entire video is interesting, and I will discuss a couple more items in the video in the next installment.
Cheers,
Catherine
I have just returned from the NYC Masterclass with Keith Underwood and Anne Waxman, Alexander Teacher. This was one of the very best classes I have ever attended. I will share many things with you about this experience, but today I will just start by directing you to a video Keith showed us at the beginning of class.
In this YouTube video Pavorotti talks in a masterclass about "covered sound vs. white sound: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uo6dDQiBGyI
At about : 40 he sings an F-sharp arpeggio in "white sound" and says of this tone, "I suspect a strangle." You can actually see his neck shorten. He then sings with "covered sound" and you can see his head rise above his torso with free AO joint. Amazing sound and clearly visible AT clue.
Also notice the minimal effort he seems to use in making this excellent sound.
The entire video is interesting, and I will discuss a couple more items in the video in the next installment.
Cheers,
Catherine
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