Effects of Three Common Choral Performance Movement Conditions on Acoustic and Perceptual Measures of Choral Sound

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effects of three commonly observed choral singer performance conditions (no movement, slight swaying, full-body swaying) on acoustic and perceptual measures of choral sound. We audio recorded an established university choir ( N = 29 singers) performing a memorized piece while viewing the same conductor video and participating in one of the three performance conditions. We analyzed data through long-term average spectrum (LTAS), overall pitch deviation, and singer and listener (singer-listeners, expert-listeners) perceptions. LTAS results showed significant differences ( p < .001) in spectral energy between all three conditions. The full-body swaying condition averaged a noticeable difference of 2.50 dB across the spectrum when compared to the other two conditions. Pitch analysis indicated the least overall pitch deviation during the slight swaying condition (−27.67 cents) and the most pitch deviation during the no-movement condition (−58.31 cents). Results indicated singer and singer-listener preferences for the full-body swaying condition and expert-listener preferences for the slight swaying condition. We discuss results in terms of future research and practical application for choral music educators.