Dear Lloyd, et al, Lloyd: I borrow from Richard Miller and his definition that as the male chest voice is sung higher and higher it reaches a level at which the vocal quality becomes like that of the "calling" voice. ***************************************************************** The term "calling voice" is confusing to me. I'm not quite sure what it is. Please help me understand. Thanks. ***************************************************************** Lloyd: The first appearance of this "call" voice is defined as the lower beginning of the passaggio or First Passaggio point ("Primo Passaggio"). ***************************************************************** IOW, the emergence of the "calling voice" defines the beginning of the Primo Passaggio?
Comment: My experiences confirm that there is a zone of roughly a major fourth where the passaggio occurs. This span and its position on the scale usually varies a little depending on the vowel but is pretty much as you described it.
My first teacher, Madam Bela Resek (MSRIP), taught me in the old style but the terms she used often left me puzzled and wondering what was wrong with me; "Push with the diaphragm.", "Place the tone in the masque.", etc. I don't see that the term "calling voice" is any different than the terms she used. I'm sure it's important to know.
You may take me to task for saying this (I hope you don't) but this is precisely where description of anatomic function fails us. In order to be able to control a "calling voice", we have to sense it first.
I have certain principles by which I live, teach and learn that have never failed me. They are these: "You cannot control what you cannot perceive." "Any process must be documented if we are to make sense of it." "If it ain't essential, don't do it."
Believe me, I am a very methodical and pragmatic person but when we are dealing with what we do with our bodies, we have to somehow connect what we sense to what we understand with our intellect. The more lucid and simple that understanding, the better.
I'd bet a sound clip here would solve the whole shebang for me.
Thanks for your patience with me Lloyd. Respectfully, Les
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