Understanding Parlando Singing: Techniques and Applications

Parlando is a vocal technique used in singing, particularly in opera and classical music. It is Italian for "speaking" and refers to the way the singer speaks or sings the text of a song, rather than simply singing it in a more traditional, melodic manner.

In parlando singing, the singer uses a more conversational tone and delivery, often with a slightly lower pitch and a more relaxed rhythm, as if they were speaking the words naturally. This technique is often used in recitative, which is a type of singing that is similar to spoken dialogue and is often used to advance the plot of an opera or musical.

Parlando can also be used in other types of music, such as art song or lieder, where the singer is required to sing the text of the song in a more naturalistic way. The technique is often used to add a sense of intimacy and authenticity to the performance, as well as to create a sense of drama and tension.