Vocalist ( lat. Vox - “voice” and vocalis - “sounding”) - a musical profession related to singing , that is, the performance of various vocal parts; participant of any vocal and instrumental ensemble in which this participant performs vocal parts.
The term "vocalist" almost coincides with the term " singer ", but in modern pop music it is interpreted somewhat more broadly, in particular, implying the possibility of using recitation , recitative , screaming , etc.
Leader-vocalist - a member of the musical group, performing mainly leading vocal parts.
Backing vocalist is a member of a musical group performing additional, harmonious vocal parts in the background.
Types of Vocal Performance
Depending on how many people and how exactly participate in the vocal performance of a work, such types of vocals are shared as:
- Solo singing (single);
- Ensemble singing (from two to 10 people, usually performing different parts);
- Choral singing (from 5-7 to several dozen people, some of which lead identical parties).
Basic Vocal Styles
- Classical (academic) singing . It is characteristic of opera and operetta , musicals , romances . The traditions of this direction were laid back in the XVI century - from that time to the present day, classical performance implies a high vocal position and a high dome, the maximum surround sound of an impeccably clear voice. Forcing sound, noise and wheezing is completely or partially excluded.
- Jazz vocals . As a result of the fusion of colorful African rhythms and musical traditions inherent in European countries, this style appeared in the USA at the end of the 19th century. He is characterized by a rich and strong voice, capable of reproducing very rich sounds, varying tonality, using imitation techniques and maximum improvisation.
- Pop singing . This direction is distinguished by orientation to the mass consumer. Hence, texts that are understandable in meaning without any deep philosophy, a simple and memorable manner of performance, and the use of repeating refrains. Today, pop vocal is closely intertwined with other styles - rap , folk , rock , etc.
- Folk singing . It is impossible to accurately describe what the vocals of a given direction are, as each concrete manifestation of ethnic singing is something special. However, it can be said that in most cases the genre is characterized by singing on ligaments and a flat palate.
See also
- Singing
- Singing voices
- Lists of opera singers and singers