October 16, 1962 CONSONANTS: Basically a consonant is a sound produced by creating a simple barrier with some part of the tongue or lips so that the breath is dammed up until it explodes, or impeded and allowed to escape slowly. In singing,
2.
3. The practical
rules
Initial a.
b.
2.
fall
into three
groups:
Those capable of sustained pitch: M, N, NG, (to a much lesser extent Those which have a fractional initial B, D, G, V, J, L, R, and Z Those which have no pitch: P, T, K, F, CH, SH, S, and H.
1.
1.
consonants
Final
L, R, and Z) pitch:
are these:
consonants Since the vowel sound is the chief carrier of pitch and sonority, the initial consonants of each syllable must be produced ever so slightly ahead of the pulse so that the vowel can mark and propel rhythmic movement. It is necessary to be conscious always of the pitch values of initial consonants, even those of fractional pitch, or the vowel which follows will be out of tune. consonants
a.
Since vowel sonority is greater than that of the hummedconsonants, final consonants which have pitch are to be given extra duration and emphasis. The amount of this duration must always be related directly to pulse values. It must always be a rhythmic proportion, natural to pulse and tempo. Now, there is one very important qualification here: it is that whatever proportional duration one has decided to allot to the hummed consonant, its beginning must always have an instant of the principal and preceding vowel sound. For example, if we sing the word "soon" for four beats, we may occupy the last quarterdecide that the "n 11 should substantially note; but that last quarter-note must have a very short pulseconscious "00 11 followed as quickly as possible by the 11n 11 sound. It is in this manner that one preserves natural word and syllable emphasis. Anything else usually will sound arbitrary and ugly.
b.
Final consonants
which do not have pitch.
These consonants are secondary sounds. To put them on the beat or pulse is to give them an undue and awkward emphasis. Therefore, they sound more natural placed either slightly ahead or immediately after a pluse. They would normally be placed just
-2ahead of a pulse when they are in the middle of a phrase, just after a pulse when they conclude a phrase.
and
This is not as imprecise as it may sound, for if a group even as large as ours were to say the word 11it' 1 as quickly as possible, providing we began together at a rhythmic moment, our nt's 11 would be pronounced simultaneously and naturally. Simand concentrate ila.r .ly, if we sing ''it ought'' on half-notes, 1 11 on its proper pulse, the on singing the ~aw vowel precisely into final 0 t 11 of ''it" will fall unanimously and naturally 1 place just ahead of the t1aw• . -Nor will it sound like "it taught". R. S.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: There remain just three Monday night and two Sunday afternoon rehearsals This is ample provided we may count before our performance with Mr. Hunter. on your being on hand when you're needed. This will be the golden-est of opon your behalf are , reaching portunities to show Mr. Shaw that his efforts fruition, and his confidence in you merited.
Sunday's
is CANCELLEDl Live-it-up, rehearsal rain ..
Monday, October
22, everybody
here and ready
laugh-it-up, to go promptly
E. B.
hope it
doesn't
at 8:00 p.m.