The Art of Bel Canto-Where Science and Spirit meet

By Diane Elizabeth Martinovich and Boris Martinovich

You know that feeling you get when you hear a singer with an otherworldly voice? Like their vocal cords are a direct channel from heaven? That's the power of bel canto, an operatic singing technique that transforms the human voice into a spiritual experience. Bel canto, which means "beautiful singing" in Italian, is all about mastering vocal con

• Language: English
• Publisher: DMB
• Release date: Oct 10, 2023
• ISBN: 9798868917035

Book preview

The Art of Bel Canto

WHERE SCIENCE AND SPIRIT MEET

BY

DIANA ELIZABETH MARTINOVICH

&

BORIS MARTINOVICH

Chapter 1

Introduction……………………………………………………………6

The Origins of Bel Canto………………………………………………………………………9

The Opera…………………………………………………………………….13

German Language Opera…………………………………………………………………….29

French Opera……………………………………………………………………32

English Opera……………………………………………………………………35

Other National Operas………………………………………………………………......37      

Chapter 2

Classification of Voices…………………………………………………………………….40

Core Principles of Bel Canto………………………………………………………………….....42

Modern Bel Canto………………………………………………………………….....47

Alexander Technique…………………………………………………………………….49

ANATOMY OF THE VOICE…………………………………………………………………...51

The physics of breathing…………………………………………………...................52

Diaphragm…………………………………………………………….52

The Lungs………………………………………………………..........53

The Abdominal muscles…………………………………................55

Muscles of the lower back……………………………….................56

The physics of making sound…………………………………………………………………..60

Resonation (Vibration)………………………………….................61

Improving resonance for optimal vocal performance………..61

Formats and their importance in voice- production…………..63

Phonation (making sound) ………………………………..............64

ARTICULATION……………………………………………………….66

THE ENERGY OF THE SOUND……………………………………………………………........67

THE ENERGY OF THE BEL CANTO SINGER’S VOICE…………………………………...............................................68

THE IMPACT OF THE SOUND ON HUMAN PERCEPTION …...69

THE IMPACT OF THE SINGER’S SOUND ON HUMAN PERCEPTION………………........................................................…70

BRETHING TECHNIQUES …………......……………………….....72

Support…………………………………………...............................74

A Diaphragm breathing………………………………………........76

Breathing from the belly……………………………......................77

Chest breathing…………………………………………………......79

Inhaling too deep and too much……………………...........……80

Appoggio………………………………………………....................80

DEVELOPING A BETTER BREATH-MANAGEMEN SKILLS……………………………..................................................82

RESONANCE AND VOICE PLACEMENT……………………………………......………………85

POSTURE AND ALIGNMENT……………………………….…...90

ARTICULATION……………………………………………………91

ARTICULATION AND LANGUAGES………………………………………………………..92

Chapter 3

HUMAN ENERGY FIELD AND SINGING……………………………………………................……..95

Layers of the Human Energy Field………………......................95

Physical layer………………………………………...................…..96

Etheric layer………………………………........................………100

Emotional layer……………………………………......................101

Mental layer……………………………………………...........…..102

Spiritual layer……………………………………….................…104

THE SPIRITUAL ASPECTS OF SINGING…………………...….111

THE POWER OF BEL CANTO-JOURNEY OF SELF -DISCOVERY……………………..................................................113

ACTING IN OPERA………………………………………… ........114

BEL CANTO VOCAL EXCERCISES ……………………………..121

Breath control………………………………...............................121

Vowel sounds………………………………………................….122

Scales and arpeggios………………………………................…124

Legato and staccato……………………………..............………127

OVERCOMIING STAGE FRIGHT…………………………………………………..………...129

Physical techniques………………………..................………...129

Mental techniques………………………………...…................130

Exercises for overcoming stage fright……………………….131

Chapter 4

SUCCESS MINDSET FOR SINGERS …………………………..132

FINDING THE RIGHT AGENT……………………………………………………………135

HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE AUDITION……………………………………………….......….136

CHOOSING THE RIGHT REPERTOIRE……………………………………………………137

Chapter 5

MARKETING FOR SINGERS……………………………....…140

HOW TO MAXIMIZE THE IMPACT OF MARKETING EFFORTS………………………...............................................154

ABOUT THE AUTHORS……………………..……………….156

Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

You know that feeling you get when you hear a singer with an otherworldly voice? Like their vocal cords are a direct channel from heaven? That's the power of bel canto, an operatic singing technique that transforms the human voice into a spiritual experience. Bel canto, which means beautiful singing in Italian, is all about mastering vocal control and projection to produce a tone that resonates not just in the ears but in the soul.

For the bel canto singer, the voice is an instrument to be finely tuned. Through years of training, singers learn how to optimize their breath support, relax their vocal cords, and shape their mouths to create an effortless, unforced sound. The result is a vocal quality that seems almost supernatural. Close your eyes, and you can feel the music as much as hear it.

Bel canto, with its ethereal and captivating nature, has the power to transport us to a realm where science and spirit intertwine. It is a mesmerizing operatic technique that transcends mere vocal performance, touching the deepest corners of our souls. As we delve further into the world of bel canto, we uncover the secrets behind its enchanting allure.

At its core, bel canto is an art form that demands unwavering dedication and meticulous training. Singers embark on a journey of self-discovery, honing their vocal abilities to perfection. With every breath, they learn to harmonize their voices with the rhythm of their hearts, creating a symphony that resonates with the divine.

The mastery of bel canto lies in the delicate balance between technical precision and emotional expression. Through endless hours of practice, singers refine their breath control, allowing them to effortlessly navigate the vast melodic landscapes. The freedom in their vocal cords leads to a purity of tone that seems to originate from celestial realms, leaving the audience spellbound.

Close your eyes, and you will witness the convergence of sound and spirit. It is as if the music takes physical form, enveloping you in its embrace. The profound connection between the singer and the audience transcends the boundaries of language and culture, uniting all those present in a shared experience of transcendence.

In this sacred union of science and spirit, bel canto reveals its true power. It teaches us that beauty resides not only in the sound that reaches our ears but also in the emotions it awakens within us. It is a testament to the potential of the human voice, capable of expressing the deepest of human emotions with unparalleled grace.

As we continue our exploration of the arts of bel canto, we embark on a transformative journey. Let us embrace the magic it offers, immersing ourselves in the enchantment of its melodies. With each note, we surrender to its captivating spell, forever touched by the ethereal union of science and spirit.

Welcome to the mesmerizing realm of bel canto, where the voice transcends the boundaries of the earthly and ascends to heavenly heights.

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THE ORIGINS OF BEL CANTO VOICE TECHNIQUE

Literally meaning beautiful singing, bel canto refers to the beautiful, florid style of singing that was born in Italy and used in both art song and opera. This vocal technique originated in the 16th and 17th centuries, though its roots extend to the Middle Ages. Italian singers developed this technique around 400 years ago based on ease, purity and evenness of tone production and agile, precise and virtuosic use of the voice.

Bel canto singing flourished in both polyphonic and solo vocal music during that era and evolved into what we now know as Italian opera. The search for divine vocal beauty in the late 1500s led to innovations in this technique. The movement began around 1580 when Giovanni Bardi of Florence organized intellectuals to discuss literature, science and arts at his palace, sometimes performing new music to revive ancient Greek music and drama. Participants included Vincenzo Galilei, Galileo's father, and composers Giulio Caccini and Jacopo Peri who created Euridice, the first opera.

This respected singing tradition grew through opera innovations. Bel canto was initially used exclusively by men, particularly religious singers and Italian castrati. Later, it became famous through sopranos.

Once bel canto gained popularity in Italy, it quickly spread to other parts of Europe and became a cherished style of singing. Its influence extended beyond the realm of classical music, captivating audiences with its enchanting melodies and virtuosic performances. The allure of bel canto lies in its emphasis on achieving vocal beauty through ease, purity, and precision.

During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, bel canto became synonymous with Italian opera. Composers like Rossini, Donizetti, and Bellini crafted exquisite works that showcased the brilliance of this vocal technique. Soprano singers, in particular, embraced bel canto, using their agile and versatile voices to bring characters to life on the operatic stage.

As time went on, bel canto evolved and adapted to new musical styles and contexts.

The twentieth century witnessed a revival of interest in this historical technique, with singers and scholars delving into the rich heritage of bel canto. Its influence reached beyond opera and inspired composers in various genres, from contemporary classical music to popular music.

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in bel canto among both performers and audiences. Singers are rediscovering the technical intricacies and expressive possibilities of this style, infusing it with their own artistic interpretations. Bel canto has found a place not only in the grand opera houses of the world but also in intimate recital halls and recordings.

Today, bel canto continues to captivate and move listeners with its enchanting melodies and expressive power. Its legacy remains a testament to the enduring beauty of the human voice and the timeless allure of exquisite singing. Whether in the soaring heights of an operatic aria or the heartfelt intimacy of a art song, bel canto transports us to a world where music touches the soul and ignites our deepest emotions.

Bel canto singing places great emphasis on breath control. Proper breathing technique is essential for achieving the smooth, sustained lines characteristic of bel canto. Singers must develop the ability to take full, deep breaths without strain, filling the lower lungs first before expanding the upper lungs. This allows for maximum air capacity and control.

Once full inspiration is achieved, bel canto singers focus on releasing the air in a slow, even stream. Sudden bursts of air and irregular airflow are avoided. Instead, singers envision the air moving in a straight line from the lungs through the vocal folds. This steady stream of air provides a foundation for the smooth, legato phrasing so prized in bel canto singing.

In addition to proper breathing, bel canto places importance on a relaxed yet focused vocal production. Singers aim for a free, resonant tone with very little constriction in the throat. The soft palate must be arched to allow the sound to resonate in the mask, frontal sinuses and the head. Tension in the jaw, tongue and larynx is avoided to achieve freedom and flexibility in the voice.

Another vital aspect of bel canto is the relaxed larynx, allowing for efficient vibration of the vocal cords. This results in a warm and resonant timbre that effortlessly projects across any performance space.

Vowel modification and articulation are also essential techniques. Bel canto singers strive for perfect clarity and evenness of vowels. They modify vowel shapes based on context to achieve legato phrases with seamless transitions between notes. Consonants are crisp but not harsh, providing just enough articulation to delineate the lyrics without interrupting the flow of sound.

Above all, bel canto values pure vocal beauty and graceful melodic lines. Singers must develop agility, flexibility, and control to navigate florid passages and rapidly shifting melodies.

Expressivity and nuance also play a crucial role, as bel canto singers imbue the music with feeling and lyricism through subtle manipulation of dynamics, tempo and timbre. When executed skilfully, bel canto singing creates an enchanting effect that transports listeners to another world.

Bel canto reached its zenith during the 18th and 19th centuries, leaving an indelible mark on the operatic world. Works such as Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro and Rossini's The Barber of Seville embodied the essence of bel canto, showcasing its ability to convey a wide range of emotions. Although later styles emerged, bel canto's influence remains undeniable, providing a solid foundation for healthy and captivating vocal performance.

Now, in our modern era, we have the opportunity to rediscover the transformative power of bel canto. By embracing its philosophy of uniting science and spirit, singers can achieve vocal freedom and convey passion like never before. It is a delicate balance, where technical precision harmonizes with emotional abandon, resulting in a voice that transcends boundaries and resonates deeply within the hearts of listeners.

Let us continue to explore the enchanting realm of bel canto, where the human voice becomes a vessel of ethereal beauty. With each breath, each note, we honour the legacy of this extraordinary art form and unlock the potential of our own voices. Together, we can keep the spirit of bel canto alive and ensure that its timeless allure continues to move and inspire generations to come.

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THE OPERA

An opera, by definition, is simply a drama in which the characters sing, rather than speak, all or most of their lines.

Opera combines vocal and orchestral music to create a dramatic story. Singers perform arias, duets, and choruses while an orchestra provides accompaniment and underscores the drama. This fusion of music and theatre allows opera to evoke deep human emotions.

Music can express feelings more directly than words. Opera takes advantage of this by communicating emotions through the singers' vocal performances and the orchestral music. The music tickles the fancy, provokes contemplation, or moves the audience to sorrow.

Operas typically feature lavish stage productions with elaborate costumes, sets and special effects to create an immersive experience. The stories often revolve around historical or mythological themes of tragedy, royalty and the supernatural. Famous operas by Mozart, Verdi, Wagner, and Puccini have become classics performed by opera companies worldwide.

The vocal performances range from solo arias to large choruses. The orchestra provides transitions between scenes and supports the singers. Together, the vocal and instrumental music create a multi-sensory experience that taps into the human spirit in an artistic manner.

During the Renaissance in the 1590s, the first operas were composed and performed in Florence, Italy. The Camerata, a group of Greek enthusiasts, believed that Greek tragedies were meant to be sung. Drawing inspiration from Greek and Roman mythology, they developed their own style of Greek tragedies called Drama per Musica or opera in music. In 1597, Camerata member Jacopo Peri composed Dafne, which is considered the first opera.

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The Baroque period (1600-1750) witnessed the flourishing of opera, known for its intricate and emotional music.

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