Nicolai Gedda explains to Roger Wågsjö how to cover the voice in tenor singing
Translation into English:
Why do we do these exercises? Because then we learn to handle our instrument. Then we apply that to whatever we are singing. This is what you were doing (singing). But the second version is to go into head tone and cover (shows how to cover). I make it a little longer, I stay on the note. The other way (shows) is dangerous for long notes that you surely have in your repertoire. Then we shorten our singing careers. Martin (Öhman) said if we learn to cover the g, then the a flat, a, and b flat will come on its own. But the g, if we learn to cover it the right way, then we will prolong our careers with at least 15 to 20 years. And that is true! I have seen it myself (in other singers). He is now dead, Cesare Valetti, a fine Italian lyric tenor that ruined his voice singing Nemorino (at the Met) with long open Gs. And Luigi Alva? Also open, but he sang very light parts. And DiStefano? Distefano did this (shows). (Roger) I have a recording when he is singing "vesti la giubba" and it sounds like he is singing on will-power. (Nico) well, that is the nature of the aria, but when Caruso sings it one does not have that feeling. And even when Jussi sings it, it is brilliant. So we must learn to cover the right way, like version no. 2. What are you supposed to do then? I will with your permission check out what you are doing with your support. You must learn to work with your support, how to use and engage it the right way. So what does it mean to cover? It is an expanded yawn, like you hear baritone singers do when they sing (showing), but it is coordinated with a support. And here what we do is also to engage the rib cage not only the "tire" around our abdomen and diaphragm. The abdomen is engaged as you can feel, and then I also want the chest muscles to be engage, which I do that by pulling in the abdomen (showing). Then I have the covering. (Roger) You still feel like the power comes from the abdomen? (Nico) Power? You start with the abdomen and then you add the rib cage muscles by pulling in the stomach. That way you can develop your rib cage more. Yours is a little small. (Roger) You want me to do this on g? (Nico) Yes. Then there is another thing and that is what we do with the notes before going into the covering. Again they must be opened! I sing it slowly in order to show you. Again we must not start the exercise to loudly but develop it and not drop the chin to much in the beginning either. Everything gradually, the mouth this way, and the stomach, and the opening of the notes before. But what we are tempted to do is to use to much muscle strength. We do not have to sing louder because we cover the tone, but you should stay with the indicated dynamic.