Undertone singing
The undertone is a singing technique , in particular by use of the larynx tones are produced that are below the Singtons lie.
In contrast to overtone singing , these tones are not overtones , i.e. integral multiples of the fundamental, but integral divisors of the fundamental, so-called subharmonics . The art of undertone singing is best known from the throat singers from Tuva , Mongolia , from the ritual chants of the Tibetan lamas and from the Xhosa in South Africa .
There are two basic ways to create overtones in the larynx, the straw Bass (Engl. Vocal fry) and the throat singing techniques.
Straw bass undertones
In the straw bass technique, the vibration mode of the vocal cords is changed. It is usually sung up to the first subharmonic and enables singers to transpose the voice down an octave and thus expand the vocal ambitus. This art is occasionally required in western serious music . Few experimental singers can sing up to the 5th subharmonic.
Throat singing undertones
In throat techniques, other parts of the larynx are set in vibration together with the vocal cords ( pocket folds , aryepiglottic folds ). Here the first subharmonic is sung, so the part sounds an octave below the singing voice. In Europe this technique is found in the Sardinian cantu a tenore . In Tuva the technique is called kargyraa , in Mongolia charchiraa , in South Africa umngqokolo . In these countries it is common to combine undertone singing with overtone techniques.