Multiphonic Voice: Online Vocal & Instrumental Samples

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the topic of multiphonic vocals and instrumentals, exploring the existence and characteristics of online samples. Participants express curiosity about the phenomenon and seek clarification on its nature and execution.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the validity of multiphonic singing, initially considering it a hoax, and expresses confusion about how multiple notes can be sung simultaneously.
  • Another participant shares an anecdote about a person who can whistle a triad and mentions having heard multiphonics on flutes and oboes, describing them as sounding unpleasant and speculating on the technique involved.
  • A suggestion is made to look for online samples of Tibetan monks performing multiphonic singing.
  • There is a desire for examples of solo multiphonic vocals, with a distinction made between woodwind and brass multiphonics regarding the relationship of notes in chords to a fundamental frequency.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the understanding of multiphonic singing and its characteristics, with multiple competing views and uncertainties expressed throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the nature of multiphonic singing and instrumental techniques remain unresolved, and there is a lack of clarity on the definitions and mechanics involved.

Hurkyl
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Anyone know of any online samples of multiphonic vocals? (Instrumental would be interesting too)
 
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I thought multiphonic singing was a hoax or trick.

Now I think about it, I must be confusing this with something else, because my impression was that multiphonic singing is essentially singing multiple notes simultaneously, so as to sound like a chord. I just can't imagine how this is possible. But then 'multiphonic instrumental' could hardly be anything unusual, by that definition.

Please educate us.
 
I don't know about vocals, but I know a guy who can whistle a triad (three notes) relatively in tune. I've heard pieces with multiphonics on flutes and oboes, they sound terrible, I'm not sure how they work. I think they do something to muffle the fundamental to the point where one or two harmonics are distinctly audible... but barely.
 
You can get online samples of the Tibetan monks; samples near the bottom.
 
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I'm hoping to hear a solo voice doing it.

As for instrumental multiphonics, the notes in the chords aren't multiples of some fundamental, at least in woodwind multiphonics (I think they are for brass, but I can't remember for sure)
 
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