Female Voice in the Twentieth Century: Material, Symbolic and Aesthetic Dimensions

This volume explores the female voice in the 20th century through theoretical approaches and musicological investigations, covering various styles and genres. It emphasizes the role of female singers in experimentation and extended vocal techniques, as well as the subjectivization of the voice.

Format: Hardback
Length: 202 pages
Publication date: 02 March 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating volume delves into the intricate world of the female voice in the 20th century, exploring its multifaceted aspects through a fusion of theoretical perspectives and musicological investigations. Contributors to this esteemed collection present fresh and thought-provoking viewpoints on the material, symbolic, and cultural dimensions of the female voice, shedding light on its evolution and significance. Spanning a wide range of styles and genres, including Western art music, experimental composition, popular music, urban folk, and jazz, the volume offers a comprehensive and pioneering assessment of the role of the female voice in twentieth-century performance practices. It emphasizes the central role of female singers in pushing the boundaries of vocal technique and experimentation, as well as the process of 'subjectivization' that has shaped their artistic expression.

The contributors to this volume employ a diverse range of theoretical frameworks to analyze the female voice, drawing from fields such as feminist theory, psychoanalysis, and cultural studies. They examine how the female voice has been constructed, interpreted, and marginalized throughout history, challenging traditional notions of gender and voice. Through their meticulous research and analytical insights, the authors shed light on the ways in which female singers have negotiated the complexities of identity, power, and representation in their performances.

One of the key themes explored in the volume is the evolution of the female voice in different musical contexts. The authors examine how the female voice has been shaped by historical, social, and cultural factors, and how it has responded to the changing demands and expectations of different musical genres and styles. They highlight the ways in which female singers have exploited the expressive potential of the voice, pushing the boundaries of vocal range, timbre, and expression.

Another important aspect of the volume is the exploration of the symbolic and cultural significance of the female voice. The authors examine how the female voice has been used to express and convey a wide range of emotions, ideas, and narratives, from the romantic and erotic to the political and social. They explore how the female voice has been appropriated and subverted by different cultural groups and individuals, and how it has contributed to the formation of feminist discourse and identity.

The volume also pays close attention to the performance practices of female singers in the 20th century. The authors examine how female singers have approached the microphone, the stage, and the recording studio, and how they have negotiated the challenges and opportunities presented by these spaces. They explore the ways in which female singers have used their bodies, gestures, and facial expressions to communicate their emotions and ideas, and how they have challenged traditional notions of femininity and performativity.

In conclusion, this volume is a groundbreaking contribution to the study of the female voice in the 20th century. It offers a rich and nuanced understanding of the material, symbolic, and cultural aspects of the female voice, providing fresh perspectives on its evolution and significance. Through its interdisciplinary approach, the volume encourages readers to think critically about the role of the female voice in contemporary society and to appreciate the diverse and innovative ways in which female singers have approached their craft.

Weight: 472g
Dimension: 160 x 241 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367418557