Understanding the Unique Sound of Tenors Like José Cura and Jonas Kaufmann

The perception that some tenors, like José Cura and Jonas Kaufmann, sound an octave lower than others even when singing the same song can be attributed to several factors. This article delves into the nuances of vocal range, timbre, technique, interpretation, and overtones.

Vocal Range and Fach

Tenors are classified into different types based on their vocal range and ability, known as Fach. Fach helps categorize tenors into categories like lyric, spinto, and dramatic, among others. Different Fachs are characterized by their vocal range and the demands placed on their voice during performances.

Timbre: The Unique Sound

The timbre of a singer’s voice is influenced by various factors including their vocal cord structure, resonance, and technique. Some tenors, such as José Cura and Jonas Kaufmann, have darker timbres that can give the illusion of lower pitches. This darker timbre contrasts with the brighter, more piercing voices of lighter tenors, contributing to the perception of lower pitches.

Vocal Technique

Vocal technique significantly affects how a voice is perceived. Dramatic tenors often use a more robust technique that allows them to project their sound more powerfully. This projection emphasizes the lower harmonics of their voice, giving the impression of a lower pitch even when singing in the same vocal range as their peers.

Interpretation and Arrangements

Interpreters and musical arrangements can also play a role in how a tenor's voice sounds. Sometimes, tenors choose to sing in a lower key for interpretive reasons or due to the specific arrangement of a song. This practice is more common among dramatic tenors who aim to showcase their vocal weight and emotional depth.

Physical Characteristics

The size and shape of a singer's vocal tract can influence the sound. Larger vocal tracts typically produce a deeper resonance, contributing to the perception of a lower pitch. This physical characteristic can be a contributing factor to the unique sound of tenors like José Cura and Jonas Kaufmann.

Overtones: The Scientific Basis for Unique Sound

Every sound, especially a consistent tone produced by a particular sound source like a voice, has fundamental characteristics. These include the fundamental pitch, formants, and acoustical quality.

The fundamental pitch sets off a series of overtones within the resonators of the individual. Let's consider the example of singing middle C (C4). The fundamental pitch is actually an octave lower (C3), creating a sequence of overtones:

1. The fundamental, which is one octave lower (C3) 2. The first partial, one octave higher (C4) 3. The second partial, a perfect fifth higher (G4) 4. The third partial, a perfect fourth higher (C5) 5. The fourth partial, a major third higher (E5) 6. The fifth partial, a minor third higher (G5) 7. The sixth partial, a slightly flat minor third higher (Bb5) 8. The seventh partial, a slightly sharp major second higher (C6)

This sequence of overtones is a fundamental aspect of acoustics and helps explain why some tenors sound lower than others. It is an ancient discovery by Pythagoras, showing the profound connections between mathematics and music.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the unique sound of tenors like José Cura and Jonas Kaufmann can be attributed to a combination of vocal range, timbre, technique, interpretation, and the scientific basis of overtones. Understanding these factors can help appreciators of classical music better understand the nuances of tenor voices.