With his unique timbre and his incredible range, Freddie Mercury left his mark on music history. But what made his voice so special? Scientists carried out the investigation to reveal the secrets behind this vocal phenomenon.
Charismatic, flamboyant, Freddie Mercury was never just a showman. More than 30 years after his death, the legendary frontman of Queen go home a little more in the history of music, but this time thanks to science. If his spectacular stage performances and his theatrical personality have left their mark, it is his voice, real enigmawhich still intrigues today. Capable of go from rough to refined in an instanthis vocal range could extend over three to four octaves. Several teams of European researchers have looked into the phenomenon to try to unravel its secrets. By analyzing his a cappella recordings, interviews, and even imitations of his voice, these scientists confirmed that Mercury possessed vocal abilities far beyond usual standards. In fact, its own anatomy, unusualwould be, in part, the origin of its unique range. This extraordinary voice became the central subject of a scientific study published in Logopedics Phoniatrics Vocologywhich sheds new light on the power and complexity of his vocal organ. Study which only confirms its status as music monument.
Subharmonic singing
Among the elements analyzed, I vibrated them of Mercury particularly attracted attention. While a classical singer usually swings between 5.4 and 6.9 Hzthat of Mercury reached 7,04 Hza frequency rarely observed. Professor Christian Herbst, who led the study in question, cited in Entertainment Weeklyexplains that this speed combined with notable irregularity in the modulations gave his voice a sound signature unique. “This atypical vibrato helped to forge the inimitable vocal identity of Freddie Mercury”he specifies. Another fascinating point: the use of subharmonic singinga complex vocal technique that makes it possible to produce multiple notes simultaneously. More often associated with Mongolian throat singingthis ability added impressive depth and texture to his performances. Study shows Mercury knew use your ventricular foldslocated above the vocal cords, a feat among Western singers.
Baritone voice, tenor range
Freddie Mercury had a naturally baritone voicea medium range, between tenors and basses, which researchers confirmed by studying his recorded interviews, where his average vocal frequency reached 117,3 Hz. But on stage, he navigated with a disconcerting ease In registers specific to tenorsmuch higher, reaching notes ranging from F#2 to G5, as recalled Far Out. Even if the legend according to which his range covered four octaves remains difficult to prove scientificallythe fact remains that this vocal flexibility allowed him to enhance each song. Beyond his technique, Mercury's unique anatomy also played a role a key role. Suffering hyperdontiahe owned four additional incisorswhich widened his jaw and increased the resonance of its oral cavity. This detail, often mentioned by fans, could partly explain the richness and the power of his toneas pointed out TF1 Info. Mercury, aware of this asset, had refused any surgical intervention on his teeth to preserve your vocal potential.
Mercury's performance, particularly that of Live Aid in 1985, entered the legend, illustrating total control of his vocal instrument. Able to effortlessly move from guttural low notes to soaring high notes, he captivated crowds by playing with their reaction to his vocalizations. Even David Bowie, another monument of rock'n'roll, who collaborated with him on the fabulous title Under Pressure declared: “Freddie went further than the others. He held the audience in the palm of his hand”. Freddie Mercury wasn't just a singer, he was an artistic and scientific phenomenon.
Sources :
- “Freddie Mercury—acoustic analysis of speaking fundamental frequency, vibrato, and subharmonics”Logopedics Phoniatrics Vocology, Christian T. Herbst, Stellan Hertegard, Daniel Zangger-Borch, Per-Åke Lindestad, 15 avril 2016
- “Freddie Mercury was the greatest singer of the century according to science!” MCE, 24 November 2016
- “The greatest singer of all time, according to science”Far Out, Tim Coffman, December 6, 2023
- “The key to Freddie Mercury’s vocals, according to science”Far Out, Jordan Potter, June 21, 2024
- “Freddie Mercury's extraordinary voice explained by science”TF1 Info, Amandine Rebourg, April 20, 2016
- “Queen’s Freddie Mercury: Voice explained by scientists”Entertainment Weekly, Christian Holub, 19 avril 2016
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