A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Veiled Voice

by Harry Collins Deacon

VEILED VOICE (Voce velata). A voice is said to be veiled when it is not clear, but sounding as if it passed through some interposed medium. The definition found in some-dictionaries, namely 'a husky voice,' is incorrect. Huskiness is produced by an obstruction somewhere along the line of the vocal cords, a small quantity of thick mucus which obstinately adheres to them, or an abrasion of the delicate-membrane which lines them, from cold or over-exertion. But the veil is due to a special condition, temporary or permanent, of the entire surface of the vocal cords, which affects the tone itself without producing a separate accompanying sound. There are two distinct kinds of veil—that which is natural, proceeding from the special aforesaid condition of the vocal cords in a healthy state, and that which proceeds from a defective position of the vocal organs (bad production), over-work, or disease. Almost every fine dramatic voice has a very slight veil upon it, scarcely recognisable as such, but imparting to it a certain richness and pathos often wanting in voices of crystal-line clearness. It is in idea like atmosphere in a picture. The veil is therefore not a defect in every degree. Some great singers have had it to a considerable extent. Amongst these, Pasta, one of the first who united classic acting to fine singing, could never overcome a veil that was sufficient at times to be very much in the way, counterbalanced, however, by her other great qualities; and Dorus-Gras, a French soprano who flourished about forty-five years ago, was a remarkable instance of the possession of large powers with a veil upon the voice, that would in most cases have been a serious impediment to vocal display. She, however, made the most brilliant singing pierce the impediment, like the sun shining through a mist. The slight veil on the voice of Jenny Lind (Madame Goldschmidt) gave it volume and consistency, and the same may be said of Salvini the actor, who has, perhaps, the finest speaking voice that ever was heard.

Let no student of singing endeavour to cultivate a veil because some great singers have had it naturally. A superinduced veil means a ruined voice.

[ H. C. D. ]