Voice classification and Fach : recent, historical and conflicting systems of voice categorization

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Sandra Cotton (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Nancy Walker

Abstract: "While the body of critical and analytic texts concerning voice training grows, so, too, does the discourse continue to develop its on-going debate as to the importance of various criteria involved in voice classification. There exist also numerous documents from previous centuries which may be explored for insight into historical conceptions of voice classification. Yet as this body of literature on physiology and pedagogy continues to grow, there remains a lack of critical writings examining the Fach system. Indeed, the Fach system continues to be considered primarily a listing of roles organized by appropriate voice type, though the fluid nature of the system alone is enough to question the possibility of voice type as the true and constant categorization principle. Without any critical studies of the system, Fach is bound to remain a controversial subject over which pedagogues argue in vain. This paper offers a suggestion for approaching the system from two different angles: first, from a historical perspective which will allow for an overview of the fluidity of the system; second, with a tessitura study of a group of roles considered all part of one Fach."--Abstract from author supplied metadata.

Additional Information

Publication
Dissertation
Language: English
Date: 2007
Keywords
texts, critical, voice training, debate, criteria, voice classification, Fach system
Subjects
Singing--Instruction and study--History and criticism
Vocal registers

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