Operatic singing - Implications of technical means in changing vocal range

Abstract

This study focuses on one of the most spectacular aspects opera singer’s evolution – the change of vocal subrange, or even of vocal range. We identified the most frequent reasons prompting artists to such changes, the prerequisites, the most frequent types of specific evolutions, the advantages and risks inherent to such choices. Besides physiological particularities, opera singers have available certain technical parameters which, when carefully adapted and fine-tuned, may lead to spectacular results. We presented several case studies reflecting the performance of famous artists, whose vocal technique illustrates the solutions and adjustments mentioned above.