Acoustical Characteristics Apparent in a New Anatomy of the Human Voice
Claire Benedict · The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America · 1943
This paper will set forth anatomical and acoustical confirmation of findings in the related fields of music and speech, by way of basic principles in sound causation and control as embodied in their common instrument. Analogies apparent in the vox humana of the pipe organ to structural and acoustical characteristics inherent in the vocal pipe will be shown: specifically, those which account for the sound effects used in or for speech. Further analogies in the facial structure to a three-dimensional amplifier will be supported by oscillograms in which a contact microphone was used. Final confirmation of these findings comes only from the field of application: from the response of the natural mechanics of the voice to a new technique: combining the voicing of this type of pipe with the blowing and fingering required in wind instruments of smaller scale; making it possible to bring the voice up to a recognized standard in speaking—and in all languages—as an essential preliminary to singing; and then to develop an even scale throughout the full range of the voice as used in music.