Array
(
    [fullTitle] => PHILOSOPHICAL THINKING IN BEL CANTO SINGING TEACHING: EXPLORING THE DEEP INTEGRATION OF VOCAL PERFORMANCE AND STAGE SKILLS
    [abstract] => 
The study examined the perspectives of bel canto singers and instructors regarding the role of philosophy in informing vocal practice and artistic expression. Our findings showed that Singers emphasized the importance of overcoming physical tension (30) to achieve vocal freedom and effective emotional expression. Breath control (42) and vocal technique (35-40) were seen as fundamental for conveying emotions (38-45). Vocal colour (28-42) and resonance (38-42) were considered crucial for emotional impact, alongside clear communication (32-45). Singers discussed achieving physical freedom through proper technique (aligning with Aristotle's form and function), using breath as a source of power (linking physical singing to emotional delivery, similar to Descartes' mind-body dualism), and finding resonance for optimal emotional impact (echoing Plato's ideal forms). Additionally, the importance of shared interpretation resonated with Buber's I-Thou relationship, while the role of the singer as storyteller connected to Aristotle's concept of mimesis. Finally, the power of music to communicate universally aligned with Wittgenstein's later ideas about language games. While integrating philosophical concepts into vocal training presented challenges, particularly regarding practical application, singers perceived potential benefits. These included enriching artistic expression, enhancing stage presence, and fostering deeper interpretations of the music.

    [authors] => Array
        (
            [0] => Array
                (
                    [givenName] => Di Gao
                    [affiliation] => Kyungnam University in South Korea, Masan, South Gyeongsang Province, 51767, China
                )

            [1] => Array
                (
                    [givenName] => Xu Yuanting
                    [affiliation] => School of Music and Dance, Hubei University of Arts and Science, XiangYang, 441053, China
                )

        )

    [keywords] => Array
        (
            [0] => Bel Canto, Singers, Philosophy, Vocal Expression, Emotional Connection, Vocal Colour
        )

    [doi] => 10.24204/ejpr.2025.4342
    [datePublished] => 2024-07-31
    [pdf] => https://www.philosophy-of-religion.eu/menuscript/index.php/ejpr/article/view/4342/version/1727/3633
)
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PHILOSOPHICAL THINKING IN BEL CANTO SINGING TEACHING: EXPLORING THE DEEP INTEGRATION OF VOCAL PERFORMANCE AND STAGE SKILLS

Di Gao
Kyungnam University in South Korea, Masan, South Gyeongsang Province, 51767, China

Xu Yuanting
School of Music and Dance, Hubei University of Arts and Science, XiangYang, 441053, China

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24204/ejpr.2025.4342

Abstract

The study examined the perspectives of bel canto singers and instructors regarding the role of philosophy in informing vocal practice and artistic expression. Our findings showed that Singers emphasized the importance of overcoming physical tension (30) to achieve vocal freedom and effective emotional expression. Breath control (42) and vocal technique (35-40) were seen as fundamental for conveying emotions (38-45). Vocal colour (28-42) and resonance (38-42) were considered crucial for emotional impact, alongside clear communication (32-45). Singers discussed achieving physical freedom through proper technique (aligning with Aristotle's form and function), using breath as a source of power (linking physical singing to emotional delivery, similar to Descartes' mind-body dualism), and finding resonance for optimal emotional impact (echoing Plato's ideal forms). Additionally, the importance of shared interpretation resonated with Buber's I-Thou relationship, while the role of the singer as storyteller connected to Aristotle's concept of mimesis. Finally, the power of music to communicate universally aligned with Wittgenstein's later ideas about language games. While integrating philosophical concepts into vocal training presented challenges, particularly regarding practical application, singers perceived potential benefits. These included enriching artistic expression, enhancing stage presence, and fostering deeper interpretations of the music.

Keywords: Bel Canto, Singers, Philosophy, Vocal Expression, Emotional Connection, Vocal Colour

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