Realtime and accurate musical control of expression in singing synthesis

Abstract

In this paper, we describe a full computer-based musical instrument allowing realtime synthesis of expressive singing voice. The expression results from the continuous action of an interpreter through a gestural control interface. In this context, expressive features of voice are discussed. New real-time implementations of a spectral model of glottal flow (CALM) are described. These interactive modules are then used to identify and quantify voice quality dimensions. Experiments are conducted in order to develop a first framework for voice quality control. The representation of vocal tract and the control of several vocal tract movements are explained and a solution is proposed and integrated. Finally, some typical controllers are connected to the system and expressivity is evaluated.