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Join Georgia Brown (University of Aberdeen) as she shares her research: Vivien Leigh: Introducing a Data-Driven Analysis of Vocal Performance
Join Georgia Brown (University of Aberdeen) as she shares her research: Vivien Leigh: Introducing a Data-Driven Analysis of Vocal Performance
The seminar will be held in MR810 (MacRobert Building 8th Floor) on 22nd March at 13:00 - 14:00
Abstract: The critical analysis of film acting is founded upon the descriptions of an actor’s physical movements. These descriptions themselves are based on the definitions of the established dramatic gestures used when acting in the theatre. Beyond using broad brushstrokes of adjectives - such as louder, softer, shouting, whispering - little attention is given to the vocal aspect of a screen actor’s performance. However, when an actor chooses to emphasise certain words, or parts of words, they are providing their interpretation of the script, as well as demonstrating their ability to control their vocal delivery. Although referring to the performance of music, Elaine Chew’s theory that a performance is shaped by the performer rather than by the score, can be applied to an actor and the script. It is the acoustic stresses within an actor’s delivery, that indicate to the audience the actor’s intended interpretation. By modulating their voice quality, pitch contour (intonation) and timing, an actor is able to convey different emotions. Using Vivien Leigh as a case study, my research applies the methodology of using software originally developed to analyse music performances to study how Leigh used her voice and vocal control within her onscreen performances. This method provides a view of the prosodic prominence and overall rhythms in each of Leigh’s vocal performances by analysing the suprasegmental characteristics of accented words and the associated changes in the fundamental frequency (F0). Thereby enabling a detailed analysis of the subtle nuances within Leigh’s vocal delivery and how those reveal her interpretation of the script and her characterisation.
- Speaker
- Georgia Brown (University of Aberdeen)
- Hosted by
- University of Aberdeen Business School
- Venue
- MacRobert Building
- Contact
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No booking required.