The Operatic Voice
What are the characteristics of an operatic voice? How do you train to become an opera singer?
Not every voice is suitable for professional opera. Nevertheless, the qualities that make a really good operatic voice can be developed to the advantage of any voice and help it gain more carrying power and stamina as well as beauty. (Paradoxically, not every operatic voice is beautiful and it doesn´t always have to be. There are some character roles that require mostly strength, power and good acting skills.)
The ”recipe” to build an opera voice is complex but there is indeed a recipe. It includes the so called ”squillo”, a special quality that can be measured with voice analysis equipment. Good singing teachers have always know this and cultivated it in their students. However, the ways to build it into the voice vary considerably. According to the Estill Voice Craft it can be broken into several segments which can then be practiced separately. Thus one might be able to produce an operatic sound on some comfortable pitch almost instantly. But to be able to sing a whole aria or a role is quite another thing.
A naturally good voice aiming towards opera must usually be subject to long training. The vocal range is usually to be extended to at least 2 octaves for women, maybe a little less for men. The control of the larynx should be such that bright harmonics and overtones will emerge while at the same time adding depth into the sound. The old Italians called this chiaroscuro, meaning bright and dark at the same time. The whole body must be activated, the breathing mechanism fully developed and the vowels coordinated.
All this means that the voice will have its own in-built amplification system, thus being able to be heard above a big orchestra all by itself, without microphones. Yet loudness is not the only thing that counts. Audiences also want to hear nice even vibratos, clean attacks, on-pitch phrases with perfect legato line and clear diction. On top of that, the orchestral conductor will expect precise rhythm, the stage director wants the singer to act and have a nice appearance, looking the part.
