Singing Guide: Ina Martell
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
Ina Martell was a German singer known for her unique timbre and mature vocal technique. Her voice was a perfect example of how a trained singer can maintain their sound long after their vocal peak, through proper care and technique. In this article, we'll explore Martell's vocal style and look at some of her famous songs, as well as some practical tips and resources that can help you develop your own singing abilities.
Martell's vocal style was characterized by her rich, warm sound, which was often compared to that of a cello. She had great control over her voice, with an impressive ability to sustain long notes, produce vibrato, and control phrasing. One of Martell's signature techniques was her use of breathy singing, which added an intimate and emotional quality to her performances, especially on ballads. This breathy sound was achieved through the use of proper breath support and a relaxed throat.
One of Ina Martell's most famous songs is "Morgen", a German-language adaptation of a classical composition by Richard Strauss. It's a romantic ballad that showcases Martell's ability to communicate emotion through her voice. Martell also recorded several cover versions of French chansons, such as "Ne Me Quitte Pas" and "La Vie En Rose," which highlight her breathy, intimate style.
Learning to sing like Ina Martell requires focus on several key elements. First, it's essential to develop proper breathing and breath support to improve your vocal endurance and control. This can be achieved through exercises like the "Farinelli Breathing" exercise or the breath support tutorial found in the Singing Carrots articles resource section. You should also focus on relaxation and avoiding neck and throat tension. Exercises like "Open Mouth and Throat" and "Good Singing Posture" can help keep your body relaxed while singing.
Another essential technique Martell used was the use of chest resonance. Chest resonance is crucial for developing a warm and rich vocal tone. You can develop chest resonance by focusing on your chest voice and using exercises like "Chest Voice Explained" or "Singing Comfort Zone."
Finally, to capture Martell's ability to communicate emotion through your voice, work on dynamics and phrasing. Experiment with your volume and use the "Relaxing Breath" technique to help control your phrasing.
Singing Carrots has several resources that can help you develop your voice to sound like Ina Martell, including their vocal range test, pitch accuracy test, and vocal pitch monitor. They also offer a valuable singing course that covers the basics of singing theory and practical tips. Singing Carrots' song search feature can help you find songs that highlight your voice's range and style.
In conclusion, Ina Martell's voice was one of a kind. However, with proper training, we can take inspiration from her and use her vocal style to improve our own sound. By focusing on breathing and breath support, chest resonance, relaxation, and dynamics and phrasing, you can work towards honing your own unique voice and sound.