CJ Replay: Five Rules for Legato Singing

(From the Choral Journal article, “Five Basic Rules for Legato Singing,” by Van Christy)

 

      Following is a brief summary of the five basic rules for legato singing. If your choral group is weak on these basic requirements or you have been neglecting any of them, it is suggested that some warm-up time and attention .be given to the ·needed rules each rehearsal period. Continuous intelligent application will surely pay rich dividends in markedly improved tone, pitch, and expressive phrasing.

 

1. Use a light, rapid, gliding portamente carry-over beiween intervals to obtain a smooth connection. No disconnected. or “slurred” .carry-over permitted. (This portamento must be on the beat of the second and not rob the first of the two notes so ,connected.)

 

2. Maintain steady breath support to achieve even dynamics and sostenuto. No sudden changes in dynamics permissible.

 

3. Maintain an even scale. No sudden “breaks” or uneven spots permissible throughout the range.

 

4. Maintain uniform vowel color. No sudden changes from bright to dark tonal color, or vice versa, permissible.

 

5. Use a delayed articulation concept on the ends of words or syllables. No anticipation of ending consonants to the detriment of total rhythmic length on the vowel permissible.