REMARK.-To read the foregoing example in one dull, monotonous tone of voice, without regard to the sentiment expressed, would render the passage extremely insipid and lifeless. But by a proper modulation of the voice, it infuses into the mind of the reader or hearer the most animating and exciting emotions. A correct modulation of the voice is one of the most important requisites in the speaker. For if the voice is kept for a considerable length of time on one continuous key or pitch, he will not only fail to present that variety and force which the subject contains, but he will weary both himself and his hearers. The voice is modulated in three different ways. First, it is varied in PITCH; that is, from high to low tones, and the reverse. Secondly, it is varied in QUANTITY, or in loudness or volume of sound. Thirdly, it is varied in QUALITY, or in the kind of sound expressed. PITCH OF VOICE. PITCH OF VOICE has reference to its degree of elevation. Every person, in reading or speaking, assumes a certain pitch, which may be either high or low, according to circumstances, and which has a governing influence on the variations of the voice, above and below it. This degree of elevation is usually called the KEY NOTE. As an exercise in varying the voice in pitch, the practice of uttering a sentence on the several degrees of elevation, as represented in the following scale, will be found beneficial. First, utter the musical syllables, then the vowel sound, and lastly, the proposed sentence,-ascending and descending. QUESTIONS.-In how many ways is the voice modulated? What is meant by pitch of voice? What practice is recommended for varying the pitch of voice? 7. --8-do- -e-in-me.-Virtue alone survives.sii in die. Virtue alone survives. -6.-la 5. sol 4.-fa 3. mi -2.-re1. do -o-in-do.-Virtue alone survives. o in no. Virtue alone survives. -a-in-at.-Virtue alone survives. a in ate. Virtue alone survives. -a-in-far-Virtue alone survives. a in all. Virtue alone survives. Although the voice is capable of as many variations in speaking, as are marked on the musical scale, yet for all the purposes of ordinary elocution, it will be sufficiently exact if we make but three degrees of variation, viz., the Low, the Middle, and the High. 1. THE LOW PITCH is that which falls below the usual speaking key, and is employed in expressing emotions of sublimity, awe, and reverence. 1. EXAMPLES. It thunders! Sons of dust in reverence bow! And in the very grave would hide my head! 2. THE MIDDLE PITCH is that usually employed in common conversation, and in expressing unimpassioned thought and moderate emotion. EXAMPLES. 1. When the sun rises or sets in the heavens, when spring paints the earth, when summer shines in its glory, when autumn pours forth its fruits, or winter returns in its awful forms, we view the Creator manifesting himself in his works. 2. The verdant lawn, the shady grove, the variegated landscape, the boundless ocean, and the starry heavens, are contemplated with pleasure by every beholder. QUESTIONS.-What is the Low Pitch, and when is it employed? Give examples. For what is the Middle Pitch employed? Examples. 3. THE HIGH PITCH is that which rises above the usual speaking key, and is used in expressing joyous, and elevated jeelings. EXAMPLES. Ye crags and peaks, I'm with you once again! To show they still are free! Methinks I hear And bid your tenant welcome to his home Knowles. QUANTITY. QUANTITY has reference to fullness and duration of sound. Quantity is two-fold;-consisting in FULLNESS or VOLUME of sound, as soft or loud; and in TIME, as slow or quick. The former has reference to STRESS; the latter, to MOVEMENT. The degrees of variation in quantity, are numerous, vary. ing from a slight, soft whisper, to a vehement shout. But for all practical purposes, they may be considered as three, the same as in pitch;-the soft, the middle, and the loud. For exercise in quantity, let the pupil read any sentence; as, "Beauty is a fading flower," first in a slight, soft tone, and then repeat it, gradually increasing in quantity to the full extent of the voice. Also, let him read it first very slowly, and then repeat it gradually increasing the movement. In doing this, he should be careful not to vary the pitch. In like manner, let him repeat any vowel sound, or all of them, and also inversely. Thus : QUESTION.-What is the High Pitch, and for what is it used? Examples. What is meant by Quantity? REMARK. Quantity is often mistaken for Pitch. But it should be borne in mind that quantity has reference to loudness or volume of sound, and pitch to the elevation or depression of a tone. The difference may be distinguished by the slight and heavy strokes on a bell :--both of which produce sounds alike in pitch; but they differ in quantity or loudness, in proportion as the strokes are light or heavy. RULES FOR QUANTITY. 1. SOFT, OR SUBDUED TONES, are those which range from a whisper to a complete vocality, and are used to express fear, caution, secrecy, solemnity, and all tender emotions. 1. 2. EXAMPLES. The loud wind dwindled to a whisper low, Tread softly-bow the head, In reverent silence bow,- Yet an immortal soul Is passing now. 2. A MIDDLE TONE, or medium loudness of voice, is employed in reading narrative, descriptive, or didactic sentences. 1. EXAMPLES. Vice is a monster of so frightful mien, But, seen too oft, familiar with her face, We first endure, then pity, then embrace. 2. There is as much eloquence in the tone of voice, in the look, and in the gesture of a speaker, as in the choice of his words. QUESTIONS.-What is the difference between Quantity and Pitch? What are soft, or subdued Tones used to express? Give examples. For what is the Middle Tone employed? Give examples. 3. A LOUD TONE, or fullness and stress of voice, is used in expressing violent passions and vehement emotions. 1. EXAMPLES. And once again— Hear me, ye walls, that echoed to the tread Of either Brutus !-once again I swear, THE ETERNAL CITY SHALL BE FREE! 2. On whom do the maledictions fall, usually pronounced in our assemblies? Is it not on this man? Can you point to a more enormous instance of iniquity in any speaker, than this inconsistency between his words and actions. QUALITY. QUALITY has reference to the kind of sound uttered. Two sounds may be alike in quantity and pitch, yet differ in quality. The sounds produced on the clarinet and flute, may agree in pitch and quantity, yet be very unlike in quality. The same is often true in regard to the tones of the voice of two individuals. This difference is occasioned mainly by the different positions of the vocal organs. The qualities of voice mostly used in reading or speaking, and which should receive the highest degree of culture, are the Pure Tone, the Orotund, the Aspirated, and the Guttural. RULES FOR QUALITY. 1. THE PURE TONE is a clear, smooth, sonorous flow of sound, usually accompanied with the middle pitch of voice, and is adapted to express emotions of joy, cheerfulness, love, and tranquillity. 1. EXAMPLES. There is joy in the mountain-the bright waves leap QUESTIONS.-For what is the Loud Tone used? What is meant by Quality? highest degree of culture? Give examples. What qualities of voice should receive the What is said of the Pure Tone? |