Can sympathetic vibrations create vocal undertones in acoustic environments?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the phenomenon of sympathetic vibrations and their potential to create vocal undertones in acoustic environments. A female tenor experienced distinct undertones during a choral concert in a stone church, leading to a reflection on the nature of sound production. The conversation highlights the difference between overtones and undertones, emphasizing that in complex resonance situations, the fundamental frequency may not be the most prominent sound. The interaction of vocal techniques and acoustic properties is crucial in understanding these auditory experiences.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vocal acoustics and resonance
  • Knowledge of sound wave fundamentals and harmonics
  • Familiarity with the concept of sympathetic vibrations
  • Basic principles of music theory related to overtones and undertones
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  • Research the physics of sympathetic vibrations in musical instruments
  • Explore the role of acoustic environments in sound perception
  • Study the differences between overtones and undertones in music theory
  • Learn about the impact of architectural acoustics on vocal performance
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Musicians, vocalists, acousticians, and anyone interested in the interplay between sound production and acoustic environments will benefit from this discussion.

grannymama
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Hello! Sorry, I don't have much of a formal education, but am an amateur singer (female, age 66, tenor) who experienced a BIG surprise during one of our choral concerts a few weeks ago. While a fellow tenor was singing a solo (Gounod "Sanctus"), I heard distinct undertones (fourths). I was so shocked I lost my place in the music (but quickly recovered). At my age, I have heard overtones many times, but this was a first! The concert venue was a stone church in the VA. countryside; the undersides of the roof stones were exposed into the church's interior. Once, during a rehearsal there, the acoustics were so exquisite I burst into tears. Whew! Was I really hearing undertones, or was it just a miraculous moment of transcendence? Whatever it was, I will NEVER forget it! Thanks for your advice.
 
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For simple sounds (the vast majority) the fundamental is the loudest and easiest to produce. What that fundamental note is, is dependent on the material, and complex situations creating the vibration.
Sometimes, however, the fundamental is not the most prominent sound -> ussually in very complex resonance situations. What i suspect, is that the vocals you ussualy hear from this person, (or maybe everyone) are actually overtones, that because of the complex situation in the vocal cavity and chords are much louder than the fundamental -> but for some reason at this particular location the actual lowest notes being produced (the fundamental(s) ) were amplified - and seemed to be undertones.

In a way, i think it comes down to your definition of an undertone. A physicist would most likely define an undertone as a frequency lower than the fundamental (which is impossible -> hence my explanation); while a musician would define an undertone as one below the loudest / most-prominent / most common.
I play the saxophone, most of the notes i play are in a certain range of frequencies. If i modify the opening from the bell (with my leg for instance) i can bring out "undertones" which are significantly lower that anything i can create in normal play. The fundamental frequency for the saxophone, is too low for the human ear which means that these "undertones" are still technically overtones; just overtones generally more subtle than the prominent notes.
 
Sympathetic vibrations could result in an "undertone", such as holding a lower note on a piano open while playing a note one octave above the open note.