When we teach dynamics, students learn that forte means loud.
In Italian, forte more precisely means strong. But I think even that doesn’t do enough. Dynamics are relative – a forte passage in a vocal jazz piece might feel very different from a forte passage in a Gospel piece, for example. Overall, I think that an excellent forte from singers requires three qualities together.
- Present. Forte should be of a significant volume.
- Brilliant. Forte should contain a ringing brightness that carries.
- Expressive. Forte should carry meaning as well.
Each of these qualities must be adjusted based on vowel, vocal timbre, chordal voicing, and placement in the range. For example, as my students navigate a forte leap from A3 to A2, they find that the volume doesn’t cut as well, because their voices aren’t as naturally present at A2. They’ll need to adjust their brilliance and expressiveness or overcorrect their presence to maintain a uniform feeling of forte.