The object of this little book is to give singers a plain and
comprehensible view of the musical instrument on which they perform. The
author seems to have succeeded in this attempt remarkably well. He has
evidently had much practical work himself, and has especially set
himself the task of examining the action of the vocal organs during
singing by means of the laryngoscope; and his record of his own
experience in acquiring the use of that beautiful instrument is not only
interesting, but of much practical value. The last section of the book
is devoted to the teachings of the laryngoscope as to the action of the
vocal ligaments in producing voice, with especial reference to the
so-called registers. "A register consists of a series of tones which are
produced by the same mechanism," is his definition (p. 86), which is new
and complete, and he proceeds to explain the different mechanism of each
kind of register as actually observed on singers. There are some good
remarks on breathing (pp. 17-22). All information is given throughout in
clear, intelligible language, and illustrated by fourteen woodcuts....
The book may be safely recommended to all singers, and others who are
desirous of knowing how vocal tones are produced.
SATURDAY REVIEW.
On the important question of the different registers of the voice and
their proper use, Mr. Behnke practically breaks new ground. He has
carefully gone over the whole subject of the production of the voice as
far as the larynx is concerned, and worked it out anew by a long and
careful series of experiments and observations with the laryngoscope....
Mr. Behnke's book is clearly written, and the plates well drawn and
printed; while the anatomical details are made clear to the general
reader by the use of English names for the different parts.... It is a
very valuable book, and ought to be read and thought over by all who
have the training of young singers, and indeed by all musicians.
MEDICAL PRESS AND CIRCULAR.
In clear and untechnical language the author gives an accurate account
of the construction and mode of action of the human larynx, its
differences in men, women, and children, and the teachings of the
laryngoscope, notably with respect to the "registers" of the voice....
M. Behnke is evidently an accurate observer and a logical reasoner, and
a study of his work side by side with Witkowski's "Movable Atlas of the
Throat and Tongue" must be advantageous to any one desiring to make the
best use of his voice.
THE SPECIALIST.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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