THEORETICAL ANALYSIS OF THE APPLICATION OF BEL CANTO METHODOLOGY IN THE PROCESS OF TEACHING CHORAL SINGING

Abstract

Bel canto vocal technique can be described as Western operatic singing. Though used by vocalists often in classical music performances, bel canto is less commonly used in amateur choral ensembles, especially adolescent ones. The major difficulty is that most of the historical and contemporary writing and teaching in the bel canto tradition is focused upon the solo singer in a studio situation. The choral setting is a much different environment. As bel canto methodology developed in a solo context, it is important to comprehend the unique nature of the choral environment to which these solo vocal techniques, terminology, exercises, and methodology are being adapted.