Vocal Type: Soprano
Whistle Register: Yes
Vocal Range:3.1 Octaves. D3- F6 (approx)
Longest Note: 11 seconds
Vocal Pluses: Glorious soprano highs and amazing tenor like lows and a voice that is able to scream in a rock wail or be soft as any balladeer. Versatility is key to defining the voice of this lady. I would be very surprised if she is not classically trained.
Vocal Negatives: Nina's flexibility may not be to everyone's taste and it's likely the extreme way she uses her voice will turn many listeners off.
Tuesday, 24 March 2009
Sunday, 22 March 2009
Vocal Registers explained
The human singing voice is split into 4 distinct registers.
(1) Vocal Fry (the lowest)
(2) Modal
(3) Falsetto
(4) Whistle (the highest)
Each of these four registers has its own vibratory pattern, its own pitch area (although there is some overlapping), and its own characteristic sound. Below I will provide a short summary of each register with an audio example.
Vocal fry:
The vocal fry register is the lowest vocal register and is produced through a loose glottal closure which will permit air to bubble through with a popping or rattling sound of a very low frequency. The chief use of vocal fry in singing is to obtain pitches of very low frequency which are not available in modal voice. This register is not used that often in singing, and both men and women have been known to do so.
Modal:
The modal voice is the usual register for speaking and singing, and the vast majority of both are done in this register. As pitch rises in this register, the vocal folds are lengthened, tension increases, and their edges become thinner. A well-trained singer or speaker can phonate two octaves or more in the modal register with consistent production, beauty of tone, dynamic variety, and vocal freedom.
Falsetto:
The falsetto register lies above the modal voice register and overlaps the modal register by approximately one octave. The characteristic sound of falsetto is inherently breathy and flute-like with few overtones present. Both men and women can phonate in the falsetto register. The essential difference between the modal and falsetto registers lies in the amount and type of vocal cord involvement. The falsetto voice is also more limited in dynamic variation and tone quality than the modal voice.
Whistle:
The whistle register is the highest register of the human voice. The whistle register is so called because the timbre of the notes that are produced from this register are similar to that of a whistle or the upper notes of a flute, whereas the modal register tends to have a warmer, less shrill timbre. Women of all voice types can use the whistle register. With proper vocal training, it is possible for most women to develop this part of the voice.
(1) Vocal Fry (the lowest)
(2) Modal
(3) Falsetto
(4) Whistle (the highest)
Each of these four registers has its own vibratory pattern, its own pitch area (although there is some overlapping), and its own characteristic sound. Below I will provide a short summary of each register with an audio example.
Vocal fry:
The vocal fry register is the lowest vocal register and is produced through a loose glottal closure which will permit air to bubble through with a popping or rattling sound of a very low frequency. The chief use of vocal fry in singing is to obtain pitches of very low frequency which are not available in modal voice. This register is not used that often in singing, and both men and women have been known to do so.
Modal:
The modal voice is the usual register for speaking and singing, and the vast majority of both are done in this register. As pitch rises in this register, the vocal folds are lengthened, tension increases, and their edges become thinner. A well-trained singer or speaker can phonate two octaves or more in the modal register with consistent production, beauty of tone, dynamic variety, and vocal freedom.
Falsetto:
The falsetto register lies above the modal voice register and overlaps the modal register by approximately one octave. The characteristic sound of falsetto is inherently breathy and flute-like with few overtones present. Both men and women can phonate in the falsetto register. The essential difference between the modal and falsetto registers lies in the amount and type of vocal cord involvement. The falsetto voice is also more limited in dynamic variation and tone quality than the modal voice.
Whistle:
The whistle register is the highest register of the human voice. The whistle register is so called because the timbre of the notes that are produced from this register are similar to that of a whistle or the upper notes of a flute, whereas the modal register tends to have a warmer, less shrill timbre. Women of all voice types can use the whistle register. With proper vocal training, it is possible for most women to develop this part of the voice.
Saturday, 21 March 2009
Whitney Houston - Vocal Profile/ Range
Vocal Type Mezzo Soprano
Vocal Range: 3.2 Octaves. A2- C6 (approx)
Whistle Register: No
Longest Note: 16 seconds - Greatest Love Of All (Live)
Vocal Pluses: The timbre of Whitney Houston's voice is her crowning glory: thick, luscious and velvety. Her midrange is where the voice finds its strength, and she is famed for her powerful, dark and emotive belting at the top part of this range. The higher chest notes, past a C5, lose power and weight as they ascend higher and are mixed with the head voice, but they still retain a notable, and identifiable, character. The head voice, on its own, is thick, warm, and slightly smoky with a resonance that mirrors that of her midrange belting voice. Whitney is able to switch to this part of her voice with apparent ease.
Whitney Houston is famed for having brought melisma/vocal runs to the masses, and as such, it is no surprise that her voice is able to execute incredibly fast, and complex runs with pinpoint accuracy. She also has the stamina to hold notes- see I Will always love you- for lengths of time without wavering in pitch. Notes can also be coloured with the use of her impressive vibrato, which she can modify the speed of to dramatic effect by quivering her lip. Her trademark vibrato, along with the midrange belt and thick head voice, is one of the iconic aspects of her remarkable voice.
Vocal Negatives: Whitney Houston's voice can become shrill in the upper range, especially when attempting to belt the higher fifth octave notes.
Thursday, 19 March 2009
Beyonce- "Halo" live at NAACP
 |
| Beyonce gets emotional while singing Halo live. |
*Interesting fact: It turns out that the song was actually meant for Leona Lewis. This makes the album's vocal arrangement make more sense*
Wednesday, 18 March 2009
Sarah McLachlan - Vocal Profile
Vocal Range: 2.4 Octaves. F3- B5 (approx)
Longest Note: 9 seconds - 'Icecream' (live)
Vocal Pluses: Good control and nice timbre
Vocal Negatives: Tendency to yodel
Review: Beyonce "Halo"
Beyonce returns with a mid-tempo ballad from the Sasha Fierce album called Halo. Penned by the same persons who gave the world Leona Lewis' Bleeding Love, it follows in a similar style with the synths, strings and prominent beat combo.
Halo has Beyonce taking a new vocal approach with a harsher timbre and a noticeable shift in less vibrato.I would have preferred softer vocals to contrast the harsh synths and drums but overall it's still a great song which I prefer way more to Beyonces' last sappy ballad If I Were A Boy.
4/5 OVERALL: More Sasha Fierce less Beyonce please
Lowest Note in 'Halo' F#3
Highest Note in 'Halo' F#5
Listen to Beyonces' single Halo below:
Tuesday, 17 March 2009
[Vocal Profile] Rachelle Ferrell
Vocal Type:Mezzo-Soprano
Vocal Range: 4.4 notes, G2- D7 (approx)
Longest Note: 17 seconds [With Open Arms]
Vocal Pluses: Rachelle Ferrell is a technical and emotive vocalist who uses the whole vocalising apparatus to create the unique sound that has come to be her trademark. In a live setting this is most physically noticeable by the Diva’s mouth contorting as she shapes the sound leaving her singing cavity [America the Beautiful].
But within, the Divas technical ability continues, with excellent breath and core control allowing her mastery over dynamics [I’m Special]; holding notes for almost superhuman amounts of time, on pitch and without strain [Open Arms Live]; Yodelling [I'm Special]; crescendo with sliding scales [Only Took A Minute]; and scatting and singing complex melisma throughout the range [Anita Baker tribute].
With a dark and masculine lower range, the Diva has a weight present here that carries through all the voice- bar the upper belt and whistle register. Even at its lowest, the voice has a solid ring to it, and a clear and rounded sound.[You Don't Know What Love Is]
Madonna Wallpaper & XML Template
Here is the next wallpaper. This time its of Madonna. We also have a preview for the Madonna blogger template - xml.
Demo it and download here
Monday, 16 March 2009
Madonna - Vocal Profile/ Range
Vocal Type: Mezzo- Soprano
Vocal Range: 3 octaves 2 notes G2- B5 (approx)
Longest Note: 17 seconds (Ray of Light at Live Earth)
Vocal Pluses: Adapts her vocal style to the music she's singing well. The middle of her range is her strongest suit: it's solid, with a warm colouring and a clear timbre. Her chest voice is bright and sharp. While her head voice can be either soft and delicate, or direct and solid.
Vocal Negatives: Voice becomes thin and nasal, very quickly, as it gets higher up and into the chest range.
[Vocal Range] Celine Dion
Vocal Type: Lyric Soprano
Vocal Range: 3 Octaves 1 note and a semitone B2- C#6 (approx)
Longest Note: 13 seconds - 'The Reason'
Vocal Pluses: Celine Dion is a technical singer who has great understanding of vocal placement, support, and projection. With this knowledge comes the ability to sing complex vocal runs with speed and accuracy. It is also responsible for her ability to hold a note, perfectly on pitch, without any wavering, better than most- see All by Myself .
Celine Dion's lower range is dark and slightly raspy but, for the most part, well supported and accessed via healthy technique. Her midrange can be warm, and slightly airy with an easy, lyrical quality- see Falling into You- or can be soft and sweet, though more substantial in its weight- Because You Loved Me. It leads effortlessly into her strong, clear belting range. This part of the range is noticeably contrasting to the lower half, being cooler in colour, thinner in texture and sharper in timbre. Celine Dion is astonishingly able to reach up into the sixth octave in this part of her range, so brilliant is her ability in mixing her belting voice with her head voice.
Celine Dion's head voice alone, is full and weighty, with an operatic tinge and control-see video below- though it is not often used by the singer.
Vocal Negatives: The nasal quality of Celine Dion's belting voice, as well as it's piercing quality can become overwhelming at higher frequencies. Also her lower range is weak and breathy.
Dream feat Mariah: My Love - Review
My Love sounds like any other Dream song, with its sparse, soulless, production. The lyrics have the Dream and Mariah Carey playing couple, and listing to the the world why their love is stronger than anything "the World can throw" at it. You know, typical 'us' vs 'them' type scenario.Vocally the Dream and Mariah harmonise well, as both singers have a smooth, airy quality to their midrange voices.
Mariah is up to her usual tricks, blending her higher and lower vocals for her verse, but its nice to hear her lower range being utilized. Her vocals, overall, have a more relaxed and organic feel than I have heard before; almost as if shes not trying so hard to make this a technical performance.
Point in case is the scratchy texture Mariah's belts are graced with when shes sings the "know" in "they don't know" at 3.24. I, for one enjoy the rougher texture to Mariah's voice but I'm sure this will have people who like to bemoan about Mariah's changeable voice citing it as evidence of her vocal decline.
Hopefully an insight into Mariah and Dreams' songs for her new album that he has been refering to as 'MC3'.
3/5
OVERALL: Kinda average untill Mariah starts singing
Mariahs High Note from "My Love": E6-F6
Update: The album was actually released as The memoires of an Imperfect Angel (read the review here).
Sunday, 15 March 2009
XML Blog Templates
Here are two diva blogger templates! Mariah Carey and Christina Aguilera are both XML coded so you shouldn't have a problem uploading them to your blogger account.
Mariah Carey:
demo, installation instructions and download
Christina Aguilera:
demo, installation instructions and download
Mariah Carey:
demo, installation instructions and download
Christina Aguilera:
demo, installation instructions and download
Alexandra Burke - Vocal Profile/ Range
Vocal Range: 2.3 and a semitone octaves. E3- Bb5 (approx)
Longest Note:10 seconds - 'The Silence'
Vocal Pluses: Rich, deep, silky texture that permeates the low to midrange. Her chest voice impressively retains a weight even up into the fifth octave and has a raspy quality that adds an interesting texture to the voice. She is able to hold notes easily, with or without applying her quick vibrato.
Vocal Negatives: Her head voice is relatively weak and poorly connected to the rest of the voice.
Saturday, 14 March 2009
Wallpapers
Here are some wallpapers I made. Here we have Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera and Leona Lewis. More to come soon.
Why having a four or more octaves singing range is rare
Below an article from the BBC website that sheds some light on the rarity of having a four and above octave range.
Source: BBC Website
"Yma Sumac, the Peruvian soprano famous for her range, has died. Her voice spanned more than four octaves, but why is that so unusual? Many things were considered amazing about Yma Sumac, from her exotic costumes to her claims about being an Inca princess. But her extraordinary voice is what really made her special.
Known as the Peruvian songbird, it ranged over more than four octaves. It made her a Hollywood star in the 1950s and she stunned audiences globally throughout her long career.
To this day Sumac, who died at the weekend, is considered to have one of the biggest vocal ranges of any singer. Such a range is so unsual and human is it limited of part small the use very voice we Such a range is so unusual because the human voice is very limited and we use only a small part of it. This makes it very difficult to expand the vocal range and articulate such high notes.
Exploiting the range we do have comes down to physical aspects, like body structure and the length of vocal cords, technique and psychological attitude.
There has been a massive amount of research over the years to try and understand why our voices are so limited, says vocal coach Janet Edwards, who's worked with Leona Lewis and Spice Girl Mel C.
"What we do know is most people are capable of three octaves. The average person could sing within this range with very good guidance from an expert."
Most classical singers who have been professionally trained are still within this three octave range.A modern day comparison to Yma Sumac is Mariah Carey. She has a multi-octave vocal range which can reportedly reach five octaves.Mariah Carey's voice also scales the heights
The young Mariah Carey used to sing in a lowish voice and then these stratospheric notes would sound more and more like whistling," says Gillyanne Kayes, vocal trainer and voice researcher.
"It takes a high degree of skill to sing across a range. The colour, or timbre, of a voice is not the same all the way through."
And octave range doesn't just come down to physical attributes and technique, it's about the psychological as well.
"People can have a fear of using their voice," says Ms Edwards.
"Teaching someone is not only about getting people to use their body properly and breath right, it is also about giving people the right attitude to free their voice. You have to look at the voice from all angles."
But having a wide range does not equal a good singing voice per se, says Ms Kayes.
"In the latter years of Billie Holliday's life it was a pretty limited range, which inevitably was due to her years of alcohol and drug use. But she had this enormous expressivity which she was able to convey in seven to 10 notes, which is actually the range of your average pop song.
'Someone like Amy Winehouse, for example, mostly limits herself to about seven notes in a song. It's very difficult at the top of the range because you just can't articulate words up there. It's more what I would call a whistling sound.'"
Source: BBC Website
"Yma Sumac, the Peruvian soprano famous for her range, has died. Her voice spanned more than four octaves, but why is that so unusual? Many things were considered amazing about Yma Sumac, from her exotic costumes to her claims about being an Inca princess. But her extraordinary voice is what really made her special.
Known as the Peruvian songbird, it ranged over more than four octaves. It made her a Hollywood star in the 1950s and she stunned audiences globally throughout her long career.
To this day Sumac, who died at the weekend, is considered to have one of the biggest vocal ranges of any singer. Such a range is so unsual and human is it limited of part small the use very voice we Such a range is so unusual because the human voice is very limited and we use only a small part of it. This makes it very difficult to expand the vocal range and articulate such high notes.
Exploiting the range we do have comes down to physical aspects, like body structure and the length of vocal cords, technique and psychological attitude.
There has been a massive amount of research over the years to try and understand why our voices are so limited, says vocal coach Janet Edwards, who's worked with Leona Lewis and Spice Girl Mel C.
"What we do know is most people are capable of three octaves. The average person could sing within this range with very good guidance from an expert."
Most classical singers who have been professionally trained are still within this three octave range.A modern day comparison to Yma Sumac is Mariah Carey. She has a multi-octave vocal range which can reportedly reach five octaves.Mariah Carey's voice also scales the heights
The young Mariah Carey used to sing in a lowish voice and then these stratospheric notes would sound more and more like whistling," says Gillyanne Kayes, vocal trainer and voice researcher.
"It takes a high degree of skill to sing across a range. The colour, or timbre, of a voice is not the same all the way through."
And octave range doesn't just come down to physical attributes and technique, it's about the psychological as well.
"People can have a fear of using their voice," says Ms Edwards.
"Teaching someone is not only about getting people to use their body properly and breath right, it is also about giving people the right attitude to free their voice. You have to look at the voice from all angles."
But having a wide range does not equal a good singing voice per se, says Ms Kayes.
"In the latter years of Billie Holliday's life it was a pretty limited range, which inevitably was due to her years of alcohol and drug use. But she had this enormous expressivity which she was able to convey in seven to 10 notes, which is actually the range of your average pop song.
'Someone like Amy Winehouse, for example, mostly limits herself to about seven notes in a song. It's very difficult at the top of the range because you just can't articulate words up there. It's more what I would call a whistling sound.'"
Rihanna - Vocal Profile/ Range [Lyric-Contralto 3 octaves]
Vocal Range: 3 octaves 2 notes(B2- D6)
Whistle Register: No
Longest note: 8 seconds - 'Hate That I Love You'
Vocal Pluses:Distinct tone that makes Rihanna's voice easily identifiable. Voice sounds best in it's low to mid range- as heard in the verses of Russian Roulette- where it finds a solid tone that has a slightly smoky quality to it.
Rihanna's belting range has improved in recent years; where previously her voice was nasal and thin, it now has a degree of strength and weight to it, sounding correctly placed- Listen to Only girl (in the world).
Rhianna's head voice is soft and airy with a sweet and warm tone and is capable of switching quickly and effortlessly into that part of her range. She has the ability to hold notes for lengths of time, while maintaining its dynamics and tone, as well being capable of singing vocal runs with apparent ease.
Vocal Negatives: Rihanna's voice can still sound nasal at times, particularly in live performances.
Friday, 13 March 2009
Vocal Classifaction
Here is a general picture of how a voice is classified into its relevant voice type. This form of classification is more relevant to opera and choral singers but the definitions have naturally spilled over to popular singers.
Female voices can be split into:
* Contralto: F3 to F5
* Mezzo Soprano: A3 to A5. Most typical vocal type for women.
* Soprano: Highest female voice type. Range lies between a C4 and a C6
Male voices can be split into:
* Bass: Lowest male voice type.F2 to F4
* Baritone: F2 to F4 most common male voice
* Tenor: c3 to c5. Most typical vocal type for women
* Countertenor: Highest male voice type. Range lies between a G3 and a F5, however higher notes usually sang in falsetto.
These are all approximations and as you can see its quite difficult to fit a popular singer into a particular voice type when you consider someone like Mariah Carey. Mariah can go from a G2 to a G7 which is higher then the highest female voice type and two notes off being lower then a bass.
Female voices can be split into:
* Contralto: F3 to F5
* Mezzo Soprano: A3 to A5. Most typical vocal type for women.
* Soprano: Highest female voice type. Range lies between a C4 and a C6
Male voices can be split into:
* Bass: Lowest male voice type.F2 to F4
* Baritone: F2 to F4 most common male voice
* Tenor: c3 to c5. Most typical vocal type for women
* Countertenor: Highest male voice type. Range lies between a G3 and a F5, however higher notes usually sang in falsetto.
These are all approximations and as you can see its quite difficult to fit a popular singer into a particular voice type when you consider someone like Mariah Carey. Mariah can go from a G2 to a G7 which is higher then the highest female voice type and two notes off being lower then a bass.
What is the Whistle Register/tone?
The Whistle Register, also known as the 'Flageolet Register', is the highest human vocal register. Its name is derived from the whistle sound that is produced when notes are sung in this register. A tone is classified as being a "whistle" note typically when it is a C6 or over.
Wednesday, 11 March 2009
Mary J Blige - Vocal Profile/ Range
Range: 3 octaves. 2 notes A2- C6
Longest Note: 12 seconds .
Vocal Pluses: Soulful voice that has a unique, husky texture. Has a solid midrange, that has a dark, weighty timbre and a lighter chest range that is able to mix well to belt higher into the fifth octave. Dexterous voice that is capable of complex melisma, as well as the stamina to be able to hold sustained notes. Able to use the voice to convey the emotions of the song exceptionally.
Vocal Negatives: Voice sometimes sounds strained
[Vocal Profile] Beyonce
Vocal Type: Coloratura (Light-Lyric) Mezzo
Vocal Range: 4 octaves. F2-F6 (approx)
Whistle Register: No
Longest Note: 14 seconds - 'Flaws And All' (live)
Vocal Pluses: A technical singer who has trained their voice into one of the strongest in the industry. Her incredible vocal flexibility and dexterity allows for pin-point accurate, and quick melisma that can traverse through the registers [Link]. In addition, her exceptional breath and core support means Beyonce can hold notes, vocalise long phrases and dance with little decline in vocal quality. She is also in possession of a variable vibrato that is considered one of the best in the business [Link ]. She often adds this to “polish” notes and negate any shrillness that may be present.
Tuesday, 10 March 2009
[Vocal Profile] Christina Aguilera
Vocal Type: Mezzo- Soprano
Vocal Range: 4 octaves. C3- C7
Whistle Register:Yes
Longest Note: 20 seconds - 'At last' (live)
Vocal Pluses: Christina Aguilera is in possession of a nimble and dexterous voice that is most known for its intricate melisma, slides and edgy belts. The Diva is able to jump between the different parts of her range with ease and swiftness, while possessing the stamina and breath control to sustain notes for extended periods of time [At Last (live)]. Holding these notes, she often forgoes any vibrato [Ain't No Other Man / Let There Be Love]. But when she does choose to add it, she favours a non-traditional, stop/start technique and a seesawing jaw to create the effect. It's a choice that results in a wider vibrato than some of her contemporaries.
[Vocal Profile] Mariah Carey
Vocal Range: 5 octaves 2 notes and a semi-tone . E2- G#7
Whistle register: Yes
Longest Note: 20 seconds - 'Lead The Way'
Vocal Pluses: Vocal dynamics are second to none: able to go from a crystal clear, high octave belt to an airy whisper within syllable. Has gorgeous low and high notes that are complimented by an uncanny ability to pitch an exact note, without the need of vocal runs or slides [Love Takes Time]. When Vocal runs are utilised by Carey they are incredibly accurate and always sympathetic to the song's key signature, tempo and style, thus giving her the moniker the "Queen of melisma"[Improv]. It's a skill that can be called on in each of the registers, as well as used to traverse through them[Art Of Letting Go]. Technically a brilliant singer.
Mariah Carey's lower range is dark and heavy. With the voice's husky quality, the Diva can reach second octave notes reasonable comfortably [You and I], however she is most comfortable from a c3 upwards.
The mid-range can either be solid, slightly nasal and resonant [Standing O] or airy and light, almost as if whispering [Christmas Time Is In The Air Again]. It's with these two contrasting singing styles that the Diva is often heard weaving harmonies [I'm that Chick] and playing with dynamics [H.A.T.E.U. ].
The belting voice is elastic and wide, with the lower half being resonant and full [Without you], and the top, brighter and lighter [My Saving Grace]. As Carey's voice ascends the belting range, past D5, the timbre begins to thin, drop weight and lose some of its character as it takes on a headier mix. However, it remains clear and distinct throughout, with the Diva still being able to hold an impressively ringing F5 due to her excellent technique.
The head voice and whistle register are easily accessible to the Diva. Both can have their timbre modified depending on what is artistically called for; being either fuller and piercing [Examples: Head/Whistle] or softer and airier [Examples: Head/Whistle]. As well as being able to pitch notes with incredible accuracy in the whistle register, Carey is capable of articulating words [ Bliss] and sing within the register for long periods of time without vocal fatigue [Angels Cry Interlude.]
Vocal Negatives: As Mariah Carey has aged the higher belted notes- above a C5- have become coarser and harder to maintain for extended periods of time. The lower notes are also pushed, meaning an unhealthy technique is used to reach them.
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