Introduction to database of traditional Japanese singing with examples of comparative studies on formant shifts and vibrato among genres

Abstract

Introduced is a database used for research consisting of songs sung in traditional Japanese and western styles to clarify the acoustical differences between them. Seventy-eight top-class singers covering 31 music genres are recorded in this database including 18 Living National Treasures singing in traditional Japanese styles. The database includes the five vowels of Japanese uttered naturally and sung by the singers in the style of their genre. Recordings were made in anechoic chambers using a digital tape recorder. The database consists of 18 CDs and an explanatory book. Shown in this paper are examples of comparative studies on the acoustical features of vibrato in traditional Japanese singing and bel canto, together with studies on formant shifts from natural utterance to singing.