Three singing methods in vocal art
Folk songs
Folk songs are the cornerstone of national music, and almost all national music is Directly or indirectly developed on the basis of folk songs. Our country has a vast territory and numerous ethnic groups, and each ethnic group has excellent folk songs with colorful and unique charm. It is produced among the people and popular in society. It is an indispensable spiritual food in people's social life. Since national singing originated among the people and inherited the excellent tradition of national vocal music, it has a variety of singing forms, and its singing style has distinctive national characteristics, with vivid language and simple emotions. Therefore, it has taken deep root among the masses and has become an indispensable spiritual food for people.
Bel Canto
Bel Canto is a singing style that originated in Italy in the 17th century. It is characterized by beautiful timbre and rich variety; strict distinction between voices and emphasis on the harmony and unity of sound areas; scientific sound production method and large plasticity of volume; consistent breath sound and smooth and even connection between sounds. This style of singing has had a great influence all over the world. Bel Canto, as it is now called, is a singing style based on traditional European vocal techniques, especially Italian vocal techniques.
The popular singing method relies on the sound amplification effect, uses sparkling and changing stage art lighting to enhance the atmosphere, uses different singing methods, and integrates dance performances, accompaniment singing, dancing, electroacoustic instrument accompaniment, and rapping. The art of singing. The main feature of the voice is that it is sung entirely in real voice, which is close to the language of life. Another feature that makes popular singing popular is that its articulation is closest to life. It does not require the articulation of words based on the sound like traditional Western singing, nor does it overemphasize the correct words and tunes like Chinese national singing. Therefore, it can most directly express the emotional world of the singer.
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Singing method
The so-called "singing method" is actually a unique singing mode, which directly affects the appearance of singing. Expressive style. As for the three singing methods of bel canto, ethnic singing, and popular singing, because the singing modes are different, the styles will also be different. Specifically, the main reason why the three singing methods have great differences in style performance is because the three singing methods use different principles of singing and vocalization. Bel Canto focuses on the skill and standardization of vocalization, emphasizing the resonance and masking of the sound. It physiologically requires the larynx to be downward to fully open the throat, and pursues a "mask concentration point" with strong penetrating power to obtain high-quality singing. sound effects. The national singing rules pay attention to the naturalness of singing sounds, emphasize the organic combination of rhythm and pronunciation, advocate the basic point of "correct words" to achieve "round tune", and pursue the traditional format of "clear characters" and "correct rhyme". The pop singing method focuses more on "feeling", emphasizing the importance of musicality and imitation in singing, pursuing the personality and characteristics of the voice, and a "colloquial" singing style. It can be seen that the differences between the three singing methods from singing mode to style expression are obvious.
Bel Canto
Bel Canto was produced in Italy in the early 17th century. It is famous for its round and full sound quality, gorgeous and smooth timbre. In the course of several centuries of development, Bel Canto has been carefully studied by a large number of experts and scholars, and its singing theory and training methods are the most complete and systematic among the three singing methods. Since the vocalization method of this singing method conforms to the natural laws of human physiological functions and relies on scientific breathing methods and scientific vocalization methods to sing, it reduces the overload and wear and tear on the vocal cords caused by long-term singing, thereby extending the effective use of the vocal cords. time. Many Chinese and foreign singers, such as tenor Zang Yuyan, Lou Qiangui, Ti Schippa (Italy), baritone Te Luca (Italy), etc., have a singing life span of over seventy years. Bel Canto singing method is divided into two types: vertical singing and horizontal singing. The so-called "vertical" singing method is because when singing, the mouth is opened up and down to form a long or oval O-shape; the throat is mainly opened up and down, and the epiglottis cartilage is fully "erected", giving the sound a "vertical" or vertical sound. Feel. The so-called "horizontal" singing principle is that when singing, the mouth is opened left and right, and the upper teeth are exposed as if smiling; the throat is opened front and back, and the epiglottis is fully "erected" without emphasizing the tension-resistance of the vocal cords as the main body of pronunciation. Because the vocal cords are positioned forward and backward, the sound has a "horizontal" feel. In singing practice, whether to choose the "vertical" singing method or the "horizontal" singing method mainly depends on each person's specific physiological conditions and the sound pattern that singing enthusiasts yearn for. All in all, no matter which singing method you choose, as long as you use it properly, you can achieve the best singing performance. For example, Pavarotti, Domingo, and Carreras, the kings of tenors in the world today, are known as the "Three Masters of Europe". Although the singing methods of the three of them all belong to the bel canto method, they are actually different. Carreras is a typical vertical singer. When he sings high notes, his mouth is drawn up and down very long, forming an O shape. Pavarotti is a typical representative of horizontal singing. When he sings high notes, his upper teeth are always exposed, and his mouth is opened horizontally. Domingo, on the other hand, is a compromise, somewhere between the two, but more inclined towards vertical singing. For another example, the famous Chinese tenor Shi Hong'e uses horizontal singing, while the singer Liu Weiwei uses vertical singing.
Therefore, it is not important which singing method you choose. What is important is how to master and use a singing method well and make it reach a certain height. In terms of style, there are two major schools of bel canto: "Russian" and "Italian". Among the nine existing music conservatories in my country, except for the China Conservatory of Music, which studies Chinese folk vocal singing methods, the other eight (Central Conservatory of Music, Shanghai Conservatory of Music, Tianjin Conservatory of Music, Shenyang Conservatory of Music, Xi'an Conservatory of Music, Sichuan Conservatory of Music, Conservatory of Music, Wuhan Conservatory of Music, Guangzhou Xinghai Conservatory of Music) all focus on bel canto singing method in terms of singing method research in vocal music teaching. During the 1950s, due to the influence of the Soviet Union at that time, my country's singing art circle basically adopted the "Russian" bel canto singing method. The characteristic of this singing method is that the middle and low ranges are sung forward, and the high notes are suddenly moved back. The timbre is darker, the sound is loose, and lacks penetration. After entering the 1980s, through artistic exchanges and exchanges in the international vocal music community, as well as the study and introduction of a large number of scholars abroad, traditional models and concepts have been updated and changed. What is currently respected is the advanced "Italian" style bel canto singing method, namely "mask singing method", "closed singing method" and "cover singing method" (all three belong to "horizontal" and "vertical" singing methods). The characteristics of this singing method are bright timbre, concentrated sound and easy access to the head voice, large volume and strong penetration, and at the same time, it is easier to pronounce words. Therefore, learning, mastering and applying this singing method is an important task for our country's singing art to keep up with the world trend and to further develop the bel canto method in our country. In terms of the expression of work style, bel canto is also rich and diverse. In addition to the unique style of Chinese and foreign operas, there are also heroic epics, such as "Song of the Yangtze River", "Hymn to Heroes", "Yan'an" "Ode to the Yellow River", "Ode to the Yellow River", etc.; beautiful and lyrical "Ocean, Hometown", "Pearl River", "The Grapes in Turpan Are Ripe", "Yuguang Song", etc. Secondly, bel canto is also the most complete and representative in terms of singing forms, such as large-scale choruses and group songs, small choruses (including male choruses and female choruses), male quartets, and duets (including male duets and female duets). , male and female duet), solo and other forms. In addition, bel canto singing also has the characteristics of round and full sound quality, gorgeous and smooth timbre, wide range, high-pitched, loud and penetrating voice.
Ethnic singing method
Chinese folk singing method is a general term for my country’s traditional ethnic singing method. It is a singing mode with strong national characteristics whose main purpose is to sing folk songs. Our country is a multi-ethnic country. As far as the Han nationality is concerned, due to differences in local customs, living habits, and expressions of thoughts and feelings, the important means of expressing the inherent meaning of folk songs, including singing methods and styles, are also different. of. The main reason for this difference should be said to be the influence of different ethnic groups and different folk song styles. For this reason, while studying and exploring national singing methods and styles, it is also necessary to introduce the characteristics of folk songs. There are many kinds of folk songs in our country and they have a long history. In the course of thousands of years of development and change, various folk song forms belonging to each ethnic group have gradually formed. Among them, the folk songs of the Han people in the north and the minor tunes in the south are the most influential and have the ability to transcend time and space boundaries. It continues to develop as the main form of Chinese folk songs. Northern folk songs are characterized by roughness, simplicity, straightforwardness and boldness, such as "Hua'er" from Qinghai, "Xintianyou" from northern Shaanxi, and "Mountain-climbing Tune" from Inner Mongolia, which give people a sense of living in the wilderness of the mountains and appreciating the plateau. The refreshing and relaxing feeling of the natural beauty of the ranch. In the south, Jiangsu minor tunes are the most distinctive, such as the songs "Jasmine", "Wuxi Scenery", "Gusu Scenery", etc. The tunes are delicate and euphemistic, popular, soft and smooth, giving people the feeling of mandarin ducks playing in the water, birds singing and the fragrance of flowers. The beauty of the gurgling water of the river. These two different forms of folk song styles represent the basic performance style of Chinese national singing. However, in terms of singing skills, the national singing method also emphasizes "correct words and round tunes", focusing on the naturalness of vocalization, forward sound, and smooth accents. The strong cooperation of lips and teeth in articulation can achieve the best effect of "clear words" and "correct rhyme". Due to the influence of its folk songs, the Chinese national singing style used to be complicated and complicated. After a long period of development and evolution, a more unified format has gradually been formed. Specifically, Chinese national singing has basically gone through three stages: formation, development and maturity in its development process. 1. Formation period In the early 1940s, with the deepening of the national salvation movement, national music also developed to a certain extent to meet the needs of the Anti-Japanese War behind enemy lines. In particular, the convening of the Yan'an Forum on Literature and Art in 1942 pointed out the direction for the development of my country's national music: on the basis of national folk music, create a new image of national music with Chinese national style. The advent of the new opera "The White-Haired Girl" premiered by soprano Wang Kun in 1945 marked the formation of a new Chinese opera and a unified Chinese national singing method. In addition to Wang Kun, the representatives of this period also included Guo Lanying, He Jiguang, etc. later on. They made very important contributions to the unification of Chinese national vocal music in singing methods. The main characteristics of the singing method in the formative period are: singing completely with the real voice (commonly known as the "big voice"). Because the voice lacks the support of breath and the throat is tight, it is not fluid enough, hard and straight, and it is more difficult to express lyrical and tactful works.
2. Development period After the founding of New China, national vocal music has achieved unprecedented development. Especially in the late 1950s, a group of singers with cross-era standards have emerged. They are sopranos Wang Yuzhen, Ma Yutao, Awang, Yu Shuzhen, etc., tenors Lu Wenke, Guo Song, Hu Songhua, Jiang Jiaqiang, Wu Yanze, etc. Their songs have spread throughout the country, and many of their songs are still sung today, such as Wang Yuzhen's "Honghu Water, Waves Beating Waves", Ma Yutao's "Horse! Walk Slower", and Yu Shuzhen's "Our Life is Full of Sunshine" ", Lu Wenke's "Song of Karamay", Guo Song's "Ussuri Boat Song", Hu Songhua's "Hymn", etc. The main characteristics of singing during this period are as follows: based on the vocal methods of national singing, combined with the use of Western bel canto vocal methods, a new path for Chinese national vocal music was created. The representative figure who has made remarkable achievements in this aspect should be the tenor singer Wu Yanze. In decades of singing practice and research and exploration, he organically combined Western vocalization with national singing methods and developed a singing method with a unique style. . That is to say, falsetto is applied to national singing methods, so that true and false voices can be combined in the singing of songs. The biggest feature of Wu Yanze's singing method lies in the fade-out of the voice in the high-pitched area (the use of real voice to falsetto), the free conversion of the harmonious area, and the use of breath control to make the intensity of the voice change just right. For example, he sang the song "Clear" This is how "Memory" is handled in the treble range. This technique is highly difficult in the vocal music world, and his singing method has a major influence and promotion on the development of contemporary national vocal music. 3. The spring breeze of reform and opening up in the mature period has brought an artistic spring to national vocal music. A group of outstanding cultivators based on the reform and development of national vocal music have carefully cultivated countless new talents and talents in the music industry with their hard work. If the emergence of soprano Li Guyi, tenors Guan Guimin and Jiang Dawei heralds the beginning of the maturity of national singing, then the emergence of soprano Dong Wenhua and tenor Yan Weiwen marks that Chinese national vocal music and national singing have entered a new stage of maturity. The characteristics of singing in the mature stage can be said to be the development and continuation of Wu Yan's translation and singing. The singing methods used by Dong Wenhua, Yan Weiwen, etc. clearly reflect the characteristics of the combination of "Chinese and Western": the sound is round and smooth, the high notes are accessible and have overtones (which is the focus of the difference between bel canto singing and ethnic singing in terms of vocal skills), so it is more Expressive. Since the national singing method combines and absorbs the overtone application of Bel Canto in the vocal method, the performance difficulty of its works is also closer to that of Bel Canto, such as the tenor songs "Speak from the Heart", "Little Bai Yang", "Goodbye, Dabie Mountain" ", soprano songs "Fathers and Folks", "We Are the Yellow River Taishan", "On the Field of Hope", etc., both in terms of the range of the works and the large jumps in the music, as well as the lyricism and singing ability of the melody , all possess the characteristics of majestic and hymn-like praise. It can be said that the mature national singing method is a singing method worthy of continued research and popularization. It represents the development direction of Chinese national singing method.
Pop singing method
Pop singing method is the abbreviation of "pop song singing method", also known as popular singing method. The concept of "pop songs" is inaccurate. The accurate concept should be commercial songs, that is, songs created with the main purpose of making profit. Its marketability is primary, and its artistic quality is secondary. Therefore, the accurate concept of popular singing method should be "commercial song singing method".
The biggest feature of popular singing is that it is simple, easy to sing, popular and convenient. Although it started late in China, it has developed rapidly. To a certain extent, its influence has surpassed that of bel canto and national singing. As the saying goes: it is very catchy and everyone sings it. The main reason why popular singing has developed rapidly and is easy to popularize is that unlike bel canto and ethnic singing, which require a long period of professional skill training and mastering certain methods to sing better, it pursues Randomness, emphasizing musicality and imitation, individuality and characteristics, natural expression and improvisation, there is no fixed pattern and anyone can sing. In addition, with the introduction of "karaoke", people can realize their dream of becoming a "singing star" at home by using a set of karaoke equipment without going to the stage of a theater or karaoke hall. Moreover, in order to cater to people's psychological needs, the propaganda media deliberately promotes singers and pop songs, which has contributed to the new trend of "star chasing style", making the so-called "enthusiasts" worship singers to a crazy level. Therefore, It is also inevitable for development to imitate singers and the songs they sing, and then make popular songs have a mass character and become popular. In the early stages of its development, popular singing in mainland China had not yet formed its own style and relied mainly on imitation. Basically, they started by imitating the singing style of Taiwanese singer Teresa Teng, and then gradually matured and gradually developed their own style (the once-popular singer Cheng Lin is the best example). It should be said that the popular singing style in our country's music scene has matured since the song "Loess High Slope". Since then, imitating other people's styles seems to have become a thing of the past, and the distinctive northwest style has become a typical model of popular singing in the Chinese music scene. This model represents the style of popular singing in the north today. Popular singing is a singing method with strong improvisation, which comes from feelings and can be sung casually. The application of skills and techniques is different from the standardized singing methods of bel canto and ethnic singing, but focuses on its "feeling". Whether a singer can develop into a singer does not depend on whether he has a high-quality voice, but whether he has a strong sense of music and imitation ability.
A singer with a good sense of music and imitation ability can imitate and sing a singer's songs to the extent that they look real. Someone once said: There are many Teresa Teng in the Chinese music scene. The voices of singers Zhang Yu (singer of the song "Good Intentions") and Jacky Cheung also sound really hard to tell whether they are genuine or not. Therefore, imitation (of course musicality is also very important) is the most critical aspect in popular singing. Since popular singing has the characteristics of pursuing individuality and characteristics, there are several singing methods such as "breathing" singing, "husky" singing and "shouting" singing. The songs "On the Water Side" (a masterpiece of breath singing), "I'm ugly, but I'm gentle" (a masterpiece of husky singing) and "Sister, Go Forward Boldly" (a masterpiece of shouting singing) express three kinds of Basic characteristics of singing. The main characteristics of the "breath voice" singing method are that the larynx is relaxed and the inhalation state is basically maintained. When speaking, the vocal cords do not need to be closed tightly but leave a large gap to allow air leakage and the sound is hollow and dark, so it can also be used. Call it "leaky" singing. The characteristic of the "husky style" singing method is that the larynx is raised, the breath concentrates on the loose vocal cords and focuses on the throat, making a bubble sound appear, so it has a hoarse feeling. The so-called "shouting" singing method mainly uses the main voice to sing, and deliberately makes the sound develop horizontally. Due to the greater force, the sound is white and sharp, so it feels like "shouting". These three singing methods all have major flaws and are not easy to be popularized. Although popular singing methods emphasize unique styles, the above three singing methods have a negative impact on the life of singing, so there is no possibility of development. In recent years, popular singing methods have undergone great development and significant changes. The main manifestations are: applying certain skills and techniques to singing, enriching and strengthening the expressive power of popular singing methods. The main reason is that a large number of singers with professional bel canto foundation joined in, which made the application of popular singing methods more standardized. Practice has proved that having the foundation of bel canto singing and the unique feeling of singing pop songs, the organic combination of the two can be said to be the direction of the development of Chinese popular singing. Famous singers such as Mao Amin, Hang Tianqi, Liao Baiwei, and Mai Zijie who are currently active in my country's music scene all changed to popular singing methods after a long period of bel canto training. The songs they sing are beautiful and lyrical. They have unique abilities in singing high notes, which are difficult for ordinary singers to reach. Therefore, it is the development direction of popular singing in my country to improve the overall effect of popular singing, improve the singing ability of singers, maximize the training of skills in singing and introduce scientific vocal methods.
The artificial division of Chinese music into three types of singing methods is only relative. Different styles of music works can be expressed with different singing techniques, and it is not simply divided by the above "three singing methods". An excellent work is inseparable from the clever use of the three singing methods, the wonderful stage performance of the actors, and it is also the crystallization of the singer's wisdom. If music must be strictly divided according to the above three singing methods, it will only cause the development of music to stagnate and become the same. "A single beautiful branch is not spring, but a hundred flowers bloom and a garden is full of spring." At the Chinese Concert, a hundred schools of thought contended and a hundred flowers bloomed. Let us use our enthusiasm to praise life, sing the motherland, and sing the main melody of the beautiful life of the motherland.
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