Tako:
I cannot speak for the methods used by English tenors because such
techniques vary greatly. Generally, the degree of subglottal
pressure is a determining factor in the quality of tone because it is
determined by, and determines the amount of closure time during each
oscillation. The longer the vocal folds remain closed (within an
acceptable limit) during each oscillation the more likely that the
sound produced will be richer in upper partials.
It is not possible for a tenor (such as Pavarotti) to continue
singing in a form of chest voice up to high C's and D's. This would
require that the musculature of the vocal folds was an active
vibratory part of the mechanism which is not possible at these
pitches, at least not if any longevity of singing is sought.
Pavarotti has had a long and illustrious career. His ringing high
C's are in head voice with the vocal ligament and mucosal membrane
being the primary active oscillating portions of the folds and the
muscular portion only "along for the ride". The fact that he chooses
to sing these tones more brightly than say, Björling, is more a
matter of his innate vocal tract characteristics and his use of
brighter forms of the vowels. The vocal folds are in head voice mode.
--
Lloyd W. Hanson, DMA
Professor of Voice, Pedagogy
School of Performing Arts
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ 86011
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