401 



will allow, between the apophyses, of the formation of a triangular 

 space, or inter- cartilaginous glottis, but one which, however, is 

 closed as soon as the sounds are produced. 



After some essays, we perceive that this internal disposition of 

 the larynx is only visible when the epiglottis remains raised. But 

 neither all the registers of the voice, nor all the degrees of intensity, 

 are equally fitted for its taking this position. We soon discover 

 that the brilliant and powerful sounds of the chest-register contract 

 the cavity of the larynx, and close still more its orifice ; and, on the 

 contrary, that veiled notes, and notes of moderate power, open both 

 so as to render any observation easy. The falsetto register especial- 

 ly possesses this prerogative, as well as the first notes of the head- 

 voice*. So as to render these facts more precise, we will study in 

 the voice of the tenor the ascending progression of the chest- 

 register, and in the soprano that of the falsetto and head-registers. 



Emission of the Chest-voice. 

 If we emit veiled and feeble sounds, the larynx opens at the notes 



do, re, mi, 

 222 



and we see the glottis agitated by large and loose vibrations through- 

 out its entire extent. Its lips comprehend in their length the ante- 

 rior apophyses of the arytenoid cartilages and the vocal cords ; but, 

 I repeat it, there remains no triangular space. 



As the sounds ascend, the apophyses, which are slightly rounded 

 on their internal side, by a gradual apposition commencing at the 

 back, encroach on the length of the glottis; and as soon as we 



* Let us here observe, that three registers of voice are generally admitted, 

 chest, falsetto, and head. The first begins lower in a man's voice than in a 

 woman's ; the second extends equally in both voices ; the third reaches higher in 

 the female voice. 



Table of the Human Voice in its full extent. 



: " H: Falsett 



t The musical limits we establish in the course of these pages vary a little in 

 each individual. 



