So last time, we looked at several examples of fake vibrato and listened to them, so this time, I would like to share with you just a few examples of good “natural” vibrato and explain why people use it.
First, looking at an example from Opera. When people sing opera, they have trained their voices to sing over the sound of an orchestra, and although I don’t care too much for the large vibrato sound of an operatic voice, I admire their ability and understand why they do it. The reason they use such large vibrato, is because without it, they would be wearing out the vocal chords very quickly. Vibrato gives vocal chords a momentary relaxation. So if someone is singing loudly for 2 hours, they must have some kind of respite for their vocal chords.
Here is an example of a person with a naturally small voice, using her vibrato to make her voice larger and more easily heard, when needed.
Example #1 Kathleen Battle–Ombra Mai Fu
I love her voice because although she has a good bit of vibrato, she also has a very clear tone and terrific control.
For a non-operatic voice, using vibrato correctly, let’s look at another favorite soprano voice. She has more of a broadway voice, pure, and only using vibrato at times.
Example #2 Sissel–Lær Meg Ã… Kjenne
Now for a man’s voice, let’s use Josh Groban as our typical classical/pop example.
Example #3 Josh Groban–“Remember When It Rained”
How about a little Buble? A little more jazzy, a little less vibrato, but a great sound.
Example #4 Michael Buble–Come Fly with Me
Example #5 And the legendary Bruce Springsteen…A voice that has lasted him beautifully.
There are many others, but those are just a few who use their natural vibrato.