CJ Replay: Expressive Singing

      If the art of choral singing is to develop eventually to the virtuosity state that has been achieved by the modern symphony orchestra, a considerable amount of refinement in expressive  techniques must be undertaken by conductors, singers and composers. Two major factors which hold back the development of a more expressive choral medium are first, the lack of clear, standardized terminology relating to specific choral devices, and second, the conventionalized approach to choral writing which has led to the present formation of the choral organization.The following is an attempt to classify the most important tonal resources of the choruswith a view toward stimulating conductors and composers into a more imaginative approach to the choral medium.

      It is not necessary to have a group of trained voices in order to produce significant results. The tonal resources described above are within the capabilities of any intelligent amateur chorus. It is necessary that each member of the group develop a clear conception of how each tone should sound, and that he be aware of his responsibility in contributing to the overall tone. As the different types of tone are isolated and purified, the individual will become increasinglyaware of how well his voice matches the group tone. The concentration involved can only resultin a better sound and a greater command of good vocal technique. A clear set of signals between conductor and chorus is of paramount importance.

      Once the chorus has been trained in the foregoing manner, the conductor should experiment to find the best tonal interpretation of the music. It is to be hoped that the near future will see greater use 'made of these expressive resources, and an imaginative development of the choral medium by composer, conductor and publisher.