Learning from the Legendary Voice of Betty Comden

Betty Comden’s voice is one of the most captivating and recognizable in the world of musical theater. Her crystal clear tone, expressive delivery, and impeccable timing made her the perfect candidate to perform as the lead in many musicals, including 'Wonderful Town.' In this article, we will explore the unique vocal techniques that Betty Comden employed to deliver such memorable performances and how we can learn from them to enhance our own singing abilities.

Articulation

One of the most notable aspects of Betty Comden’s voice is her impeccable diction. Every word she delivers is clear and crisp, which makes listening to her a pleasure. To achieve this level of clarity, we can use a technique called “articulation.” As Comden explains, “Every word must be said so that it is understood or else there is no point in singing the song at all.” [1] This means that, particularly in a dramatic context, we should ensure that each word is delivered with the necessary emotions to tell the story.

Breath Control

Another technique that Comden employed is breath control. In a world where it is all too easy to get carried away and sing louder than necessary, Comden’s ability to control her breath shows us how to achieve a more subtle delivery. When you listen to her performances, you will notice that she is not trying to blow you away with high notes or volume. Instead, she is singing with a naturally-flowing breath that cannot be forced, creating a delivery that is distinct and unique to her.

Rhythm and Timing

Comden's use of rhythm and timing is also remarkable. In musical theater, it is often the delivery that makes a performance successful. Comden’s ability to stay in time and vary her rhythm helped her to weave a melody that was both fluid and interesting. This made her performances incredibly engaging, with her voice delivering an energetic pulse that kept listeners entranced.

Learning from Betty Comden with Singing Carrots

To learn from Betty Comden, it is important to pay attention to her techniques. Take advantage of Singing Carrots’ range of courses, articles, and tools to improve your skills. Our vocal range test will help you discover your vocal range, which can help determine which songs might be best to practice. You can also take the pitch accuracy test to identify any pitch problems you may need to address.

Once you know your vocal range, you can use these tools to make the most of your practice time. The Vocal Pitch Monitor tool displays the pitch you are singing, which can be incredibly useful for learning new songs. Pitch training exercises, which utilize a mix of games and activities, can also help you fine-tune your singing skills.

In summary, Betty Comden’s unique vocal techniques are the result of years of experience and hard work. By using the tools available on Singing Carrots, we too can learn from her performances and enhance our own singing abilities. Remember to use articulation, breath control, rhythm and timing, and give yourself plenty of time to practice. Above all, have fun and make the most of your voice!

Sources:

[1] Comden, Betty. (1987). ‘Betty Comden: A Life in Theater.’ Alfred A. Knopf.