Falsetto is a fascinating vocal register that occupies the frequency range just above the modal voice register. It is often associated with singing, but it also plays a role in speech. This article delves into the mechanics of falsetto, its historical use in music, and its presence in everyday speech.
The Mechanics of Falsetto
Falsetto is produced by the vibration of the ligamentous edges of the vocal cords, rather than the entire vocal cord as in the modal voice. This results
in a sound that is typically breathy and flute-like, with fewer overtones compared to the modal voice. The transition from modal voice to falsetto involves relaxing the vocalis muscles, allowing the cricothyroid muscles to stretch the vocal ligaments. This process makes the vocal folds thin, reducing the vertical phase difference and enabling the production of higher pitches.
In falsetto, the vocal folds are blown apart, leaving an oval orifice through which air escapes. Skilled singers can achieve complete contact between the mucous membranes of the vocal folds during each vibration cycle, allowing for a more controlled sound. The size of the orifice can vary, affecting the volume and quality of the sound produced.
Historical Use in Music
The use of falsetto in Western music dates back centuries, with its origins difficult to trace due to ambiguous terminology. By the 16th century, the term falsetto was commonly used in Italy to describe a bass singer performing in the soprano range. Male countertenors often use falsetto to sing in the alto and occasionally the soprano range, a practice that was standard before women sang in choirs.
Today, falsetto is used by early music specialists and regularly in British cathedral choirs by men singing the alto line. The term "head voice" has evolved from its Renaissance meaning as a type of falsetto to a modern definition involving a mix of chest and head voice, creating a stronger sound than falsetto.
Falsetto in Speech
While falsetto is uncommon in normal Western speech, it is often used in humor and varies by culture. Some people who speak frequently in falsetto are identified by speech pathologists as suffering from functional dysphonia. Falsetto also describes the pitch fluctuations during adolescence, more apparent in boys than girls.
In certain contexts, falsetto speech has been studied among African Americans and gay men, and its use has been noted in the U.S. South. British English is characterized by pitch changes ranging to falsetto, adding a unique dimension to the language.
