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Diaz.PrimoPassaggio.thesis.final.pdf (8.86 MB)

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Primo Passaggio: Measures Associated with Different Interpretations Sung by an Elite Soprano Performer

Diaz, Raymond
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1522530897483835

Abstract Details

2018, Master of Science (MS), Bowling Green State University, Communication Disorders.
The primo passaggio is the sequence of notes in a singer’s voice that typically differentiates the chest voice from the head voice. Negotiating the primo passaggio is an important goal for classical singers to attain virtuosity. Register transitions can be used to signify a character’s musico-dramatic intention. The primary aim of the study was to observe the acoustic and aerodynamic adjustments that an elite soprano performer makes when vocally creating contrasting interpretations of the same lines from the standard operatic canon. This was an exploratory study with a single participant, a soprano who currently performs at the Metropolitan Opera in NYC. Short excerpts from two operas were the focal points of the study. The excerpts were sung to show contrast in intentional registration shifts through the primo passaggio. Analyses were of simultaneously recorded wideband airflow, microphone, and EGG signals. The two interpretations for each excerpt varied the perceived amount of chest and head registration according to the performer. The main findings were that (1) large formant changes for the intended vowels of the excerpts accompanied the interpretation choices, resulting in large spectral differences for the “same vowels” in the score; (2) the more “provocative” interpretations were sung in less time; (3) vibrato extent and rate were varied selectively for specific vowels, but on average were similar between interpretations; (4) typically the average airflow was greater in the interpretations that were considered more “indirect” and would be produced “aside” on stage; (5) the more provocative interpretations had greater airflow spikes (peaks) relative to consonant production, suggesting subglottal pressure control; (6) the primary example of a registration shift from head to chest register was accompanied by a severe drop in airflow suggesting a significant rise in laryngeal airflow resistance; (7) a primary indication of intent for one of the interpretations was a large variation in the intensity for emphasis. The research suggests that there is a need to study interpretation consequences on the objective measures in singing, the findings giving greater understanding of basic processes of phonation and communication intent, and basic pedagogical information to guide singers to valid interpretation practices.
Ronald Scherer, PhD (Advisor)
Jason Whitfield, PhD (Committee Member)
Kevin Bylsma, MM (Committee Member)
85 p.
Acoustics; Communication; Fine Arts; Music; Music Education; Pedagogy; Performing Arts; Speech Therapy; Theater
larynx; voice; phonation; voice science; aerodynamics; registration; interpretation of song; emotion; head voice; chest voice

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Diaz, R. (2018). Primo Passaggio: Measures Associated with Different Interpretations Sung by an Elite Soprano Performer [Master's thesis, Bowling Green State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1522530897483835

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Diaz, Raymond. Primo Passaggio: Measures Associated with Different Interpretations Sung by an Elite Soprano Performer . 2018. Bowling Green State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1522530897483835.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Diaz, Raymond. "Primo Passaggio: Measures Associated with Different Interpretations Sung by an Elite Soprano Performer ." Master's thesis, Bowling Green State University, 2018. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1522530897483835

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

bgsu1522530897483835
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This open access ETD is published by Bowling Green State University and OhioLINK.