Use of Falsetto/M2 Phonation in Building Tenor, Baritone and Bass Voices: the Legacy of Anthony Frisell
Achieving efficient function of the singing voice through isolated register exercises has a long tradition dating back to the writings of P. F. Tosi and G. B. Mancini in the 18th century. Since tenor, baritone and bass voices have typically not developed their M2/falsetto mechanism of phonation as extensively as their M1/chest voice mechanism, this research examines the occurrence of isolated M2/falsetto exercises in current American voice studios and their application in building functional non-treble voices. Specifically, the authors examine the legacy of the late Anthony Frisell, a singer and a pedagogue who was a strong proponent of developing M2/falsetto mechanism in non-treble singers and of bringing this type of phonation to the very bottom of singer’s range. This qualitative research study collected data from surveys, interviews and in-person observations from selected voice studios across the USA. Survey results, key themes from interviews, and observed studio practices will be included in the presentation.