Preparing choral voices for historically guided vocalism in the Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Contemporary styles.

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to propose a historically guided approach to timbre, volume, vibrato, and pitch in the performance of choral repertoire. This is accomplished in part by documenting primary sources that suggest ideals of vocal production in the High Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Contemporary eras. Additionally, warm-ups, conceived and created with performance repertoire in mind, are presented as models for an efficient means of teaching historically guided vocalism to choirs. Chapter one of the study reviews current conducting and methods textbooks, and recent and related research specific to choral tone production. Chapters two through six provide primary source quotes that convey ideals of timbre, volume, vibrato, and pitch in each historical era from the High Renaissance through Contemporary eras. Furthermore, warm-ups are offered to encourage the accomplishment of these elements, with rationale and suggestions for effective implementation.