Investigation of four distinct glottal configurations in classical singing--a pilot study

J Acoust Soc Am. 2009 Mar;125(3):EL104-9. doi: 10.1121/1.3057860.

Abstract

This study investigates four qualities of singing voice in a classically trained baritone: "naive falsetto," "countertenor falsetto," "lyrical chest" and "full chest." Laryngeal configuration and vocal fold behavior in these qualities were studied using laryngeal videostroboscopy, videokymography, electroglottography, and sound spectrography. The data suggest that the four voice qualities were produced by independently manipulating mainly two laryngeal parameters: (1) the adduction of the arytenoid cartilages and (2) the thickening of the vocal folds. An independent control of the posterior adductory muscles versus the vocalis muscle is considered to be the physiological basis for achieving these singing voice qualities.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Arytenoid Cartilage / anatomy & histology
  • Arytenoid Cartilage / physiology
  • Glottis / anatomy & histology*
  • Glottis / physiology
  • Humans
  • Laryngeal Muscles / anatomy & histology
  • Laryngeal Muscles / physiology
  • Larynx / anatomy & histology
  • Larynx / physiology
  • Phonation
  • Pilot Projects
  • Verbal Behavior*
  • Vibration
  • Videotape Recording
  • Vocal Cords / anatomy & histology
  • Vocal Cords / physiology
  • Voice Quality*