Heinz Rühmann (1902-1994) was one of the most beloved German actors and singers of the 20th century. He is renowned for his signature baritone voice that was both warm and expressive and used to great effect in his film performances and recordings. In this article, we will explore the vocal technique of Heinz Rühmann and the songs that best showcase his unique sound.

Vocal Technique

Heinz Rühmann's voice was characterized by its rich, sonorous baritone range that had a distinctive "speaking" quality to it. He was not a classically trained singer, but he honed his voice through years of practice and natural talent. A key element of his vocal technique was his ability to convey emotion and storytelling through phrasing and dynamic range. He was also adept at employing various vocal colors and timbres to convey mood and meaning.

Songs

One of the best ways to appreciate Heinz Rühmann's vocal style is to listen to some of his most famous songs. Some of his most beloved hits include:

• "Ein Freund, ein guter Freund" (A Friend, a Good Friend), from the 1930 film "Die Drei von der Tankstelle" (The Three from the Gas Station). This jaunty tune is a classic of German cinema and features Rühmann's charming baritone to great effect.
• "Ich brech' die Herzen der stolzesten Frau'n" (I break the hearts of the proudest women), from the 1930 film "Die Drei von der Tankstelle" (The Three from the Gas Station). This playful song is another showcase for Rühmann's ability to imbue humor and wit into his singing.
• "La Paloma" (The Dove), a traditional Spanish melody that Rühmann recorded in the 1950s. This beautiful song highlights the warm, soothing qualities of Rühmann's voice and is a testament to his ability to breathe life into any tune.

Practical Advice

If you want to learn to sing like Heinz Rühmann, here are some practical tips to keep in mind:

1. Focus on phrasing and storytelling - as with any great singer, Rühmann's voice was simply a means to an end. He used his voice to convey emotion and meaning in his songs, so focus on phrasing and expression to bring out the same depth of feeling in your own singing.
2. Practice dynamics - Rühmann was adept at using dynamics to great effect in his singing. Try varying the volume and tone of your voice to add interest and nuance to your performance.
3. Explore different vocal colors - Rühmann's voice was known for its richness and warmth, but he was also able to use different vocal colors to accentuate different moods and styles. Experiment with your voice to find different timbres that suit your singing style.

Singing Carrots Resources

With these resources and the practical advice outlined here, you can improve your singing and even learn how to sing like Heinz Rühmann. Happy singing!

• Vocal range test
• Pitch accuracy test
• Vocal pitch monitor
• Pitch Training - Educational Singing Game
• Search songs by vocal range
• Vocal ranges of famous singers
• Educational singing course