Dispelling the Myth: Not All Female Opera Singers Must Sing in Head Voice

In the world of opera, there are countless misconceptions that persist, one of which is the belief that all female opera singers must be able to sing in their head voice, especially lyric or spinto styles. This article aims to debunk this myth and provide insights into the actual demands and techniques used by opera singers.

Verdi's Falstaff: A Masterclass in Vocal Techniques

To illustrate the versatility and range of opera singers, it's essential to look at a scene from Giuseppe Verdi's last opera, Falstaff. This work, based on Shakespeare's The Merry Wives of Windsor, perfectly showcases the breadth of vocal techniques, including the use of head voice. In a particularly striking scene, we see the character of Falstaff, a fat and wily old man who still believes himself charming with the opposite sex, deceiving two married women, Alice Ford and Meg Page, with the intention of seducing them and extracting money from them.

When Mr. Ford, Alice's husband, discovers Falstaff's deceitful letters, he plays a clever prank by pretending to be a man named "Brook," seeking to win Alice's affection. However, Alice refuses him, emphasizing her fidelity: “Guai se mi tocchi” (Woe to you if you touch me). Ford then challenges Falstaff, implying that Alice would never refuse Falstaff, thus giving her no excuse to refuse Ford.

Notably, Ford sings the word "Guai" (Woe) in a higher register, using falsetto to imitate Alice's refusal:

Seven minutes into the video, Ford is clearly using head voice or falsetto to mimic Alice’s refusal, demonstrating that even a principal character can use various vocal techniques within a single scene, including falsetto, to suit the drama and character.

Understanding Head Voice in Opera Singers

Head voice is a vocal technique used by skilled male and female opera singers to produce a pure, clear sound. Unlike chest voice, which is produced in the throat and can sometimes cause strain, head voice involves resonating the sound in the head. This technique is particularly essential for female spinto singers, who often sing in a mix of head and chest voice to achieve a rich, powerful sound without damaging their voices.

For female spinto singers in particular, head voice is a vital part of their technique to maintain vocal health, especially during demanding performances. It helps in projecting their voice over orchestras and in those high notes that require the purest, most resonant sound. Head voice is not just about hitting high notes; it's about maintaining a clear, consistent tone throughout the entire range.

Training and Technique for Vocal Placement

Proper vocalplacement is the foundation for any singer's technique. It involves positioning the sound in such a way that it resonates through the resonating chambers, primarily the head. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the training involved:

Awareness of Breath Support: The first step in proper vocal training is developing a strong, steady breath support. This is crucial as it provides the foundation for projecting the voice effectively.

Vocal Warming-Up: Before every performance or practice, opera singers go through a vocal warm-up to prepare their voices for the upcoming activities. This includes exercises that help to open the resonance and prepare the vocal cords.

Vocal Placement Exercises: Once the voice is warm and the breath support is established, singers engage in exercises that focus on placing the voice in the head. These exercises might include sirens, scales, or specific word sounds designed to resonate in the head.

Purification of Sound: After focusing on vocal placement, singers work on purifying their sound to ensure that it remains clear and resonant. This involves focusing on eliminating any harsh or strident sounds that may indicate improper vocal placement.

Conclusion

Decisively, not all female opera singers must sing in head voice, especially lyric or spinto styles. The use of head voice is a technique employed to maintain vocal health and produce a clear, resonant sound. Nonetheless, it's a vital skill for female spinto singers to preserve their vocal abilities and deliver powerful performances.

The myth that all female opera singers must sing in head voice is based on a misunderstanding of vocal techniques and the diverse demands of different styles and roles in opera. By understanding and applying these techniques, singers can achieve the best possible performances and maintain their voices for a long career.