CHAPTER I ANATOMY OF THE VOCAL ORGANS When the vocal organs are segregated from the rest of the human anatomy, they appear to be a complete and independent system. We know that their health and strength are dependent on the welfare of the general organism, but it is not necessary to go into the study of the whole human anatomy to get the needed anatomical knowledge and a practical understanding of their physical and mechanical action. As we look at Plate No. 1, we infer from the general appearance of the illustration that the mechanism seems appropriate for the production of musical tones. Like the rest of the human organism, the vocal organs are wonderful in their perfection, and in power and effect excel all Original plate, illustrating the most important parts of the Vocal organs mechanical musical devices, in imitating their action and the readiness to pass from a display of great strength to the most exquisite softness in melodious tones. They are as interesting in their complex arrangement as they are in their simplicity of execution for the production of tones, combining the power of wind instruments and the harmonious, flowing qualities of stringed instruments. The most important parts of the vocal organs are pointed out in Plate No. 1. The line A represents the outside covering of the lungs as it appears at rest.* The dotted line B represents the lungs in a state of exhaustion. The dotted line C represents the lungs full. D represents the muscles acting on the lungs to produce the power; E represents the muscular, elastic tissue which sustains the air cells and controls the power; F, the three bronchial tube branches which are the origin of the three *See "Artistic Tone Production through Natural Breathing," Lesson and Exercise 3, page 36. registers of the voice; G, the trachea or windpipe; H, the vocal cords; I, the false vocal cords; J, the glottis; K, the larynx; L, the resonance chamber; M, the ethmoid bone; N, the palate. O represents the tongue, which is not a part of the vocal organs but is so liable to interfere with the production of musical tones that it is well to instruct the pupil at the beginning that in the production of open tones, such as Ō, Ô,00, AH, A, E, I, O, U, and Y, the tongue cannot render any assistance; it is even liable to impair the quality of the tones unless it is relaxed into its natural place. The tip should be near the base of the lower front teeth and its root or base flat in order that it may occupy the least possible room and leave the throat free and open. QUESTIONS FOR TOPICAL REVIEW With what part of the human anatomy must the student of the science of tone production be familiar? |