Articulatory Configuration and Pitch in a Classically Trained Soprano Singer
Accepted 5 February 2008. published online 27 May 2008.
Summary
Previous studies suggest that singers modify articulation to avoid that the pitch frequency F0 exceeds the normal value of the first formant F1Normal. Using magnetic resonance imaging at a rate of 5 frames/s, articulation was analyzed in a professional soprano singing an ascending triad pattern from C4 to G5 (262–784Hz) on the vowels /i, e, u, o, a/. Lip and jaw opening and tongue dorsum height were measured and analyzed as function of pitch. Four or five semitones below the pitch where F0=F1Normal the tongue dorsum height was reduced in /i, e, u, a/, whereas in /o/ the lip opening was widened and in /a/ also the jaw opening was widened. At higher pitches, the jaw opening was widened in all vowels. These articulatory maneuvers are likely to raise F1 in these vowels.
Department of Speech Music & Hearing, School of Computer Science and Communication, KTH, Stockholm, Sweden
Address correspondence and reprint requests to Johan Sundberg, PhD, KTH Voice Research Centre, Department of Speech Music & Hearing, KTH, SE-100 44, Stockholm, Sweden.