Is western classical music(singing) compatible with eastern classical music?

Question

For egs can an Opera singer sing an arabic / indian classical song to the same effect?

Answer 1

eastern singers often employ their nasal passages and sinuses more than your standard Westerner does, although some folk music in the Balkans sounds awfully close. Also, the use of the extrinsic laryngeal muscles, and "strap" muscles of the jaw and head are brought into play more than in Western music. I suppose it's trainable, but there are very few Westerners who have tried to make that cross-over. I think the Indians have the best angle on it at the moment, but I hope I don't insult anyone by leaving them out of the mix....

Answer 2

I can't speak for Indian music, but because I speak Arabic and listen to Arabic music sometimes, I do believe it's possible. Classical Arabic songs are quite long and told stories, hence you would need someone with a powerful, rich voice to sing the songs.

This is a link to a song by a very very famous Lebanese singer named Fairuz. She's popular all over the Arab world:

http://music.6arab.com/fairooz..7abaitak-tanseet-al-noom.ram

I can imagine an opera singer singing that song.

Answer 3

Two different types of singing. As someone said above their is a lot of focus in the front of the face (called the mask) and a lot more constriction in the larynx but I do believe that they have incredible voices. They have a lot of flexibility (sometimes more than an opera singer). It's a tradition to sing in this manner so I think it would be hard to train them to 'Western' styles of singing which aren't necessarily traditional, it's just the instrument you have. I always thought I was a music theatre singer until my voice became too 'legit'....bizarre, but it happens.....so I switched into Classical/opera repertoire. It requires more 'space', more color, richness of sound and projection......just different functions but as I said it has nothing to do with a tradition of singing. Many opera singers don't really know they're going to be one until they open their mouths to sing and realize they don't fit into any other genre. Interesting question.

Answer 4

That's a pretty loaded question. Do you really mean comparable, as opposed to compatible? And what do you mean by "to the same effect"?

Some people think rap music is horrible, but "classical" is the only real music. And vice versa.

So, to answer your question; It depends entirely on what you were raised with, and what your tastes have adapted to.