Franco Corelli on technique
In this interview, the basic principles of Franco Corelli's technique are clearly demonstrated. The primary principle revolves around singing with an open throat, utilizing the sensation of a yawn to lower the larynx. This approach creates the perception that the sound is located in the back of the pharynx, avoiding the forward placement that can lead to throat closure and a raised larynx.
A less-discussed aspect that Corelli emphasizes is the way a singer takes a breath. Breathing exclusively through the nose does not assist in finding the correct position of the soft palate and the larynx. Therefore, Corelli advocates for mouth breathing as a better choice. A breath taken in the position of a yawn raises the soft palate and lowers the larynx. He then delves into the idea of imagining the voice behind the molars and keeping the voice back and free. Essentially, the voice should remain in the pharynx, where there is ample space for the sound to resonate.
Another image he uses is that the voice is like a ball pushed under water: the more you push down, the more the ball rises when released. This directly correlates with the Melocchi technique, where the singer seeks as much depth in the position of the larynx as possible, thus opening the throat and helping the singer navigate the upper range with ease.
While it's scientifically impossible to direct sound waves using vocal placement, the concept of keeping the voice back and down serves as a helpful guide for the singer to maintain a lowered larynx and an open pharynx. This emphasis on maintaining an open throat and directing the sound to the back of the pharynx aligns fully with the basic principles of the Melocchi technique.
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