' VOICE '

'Voice' - P.Natarajan

    The songs of Vasantha Kokilam, M.S., GNB, Madurai Mani Iyer are often in broadcast as their voice being so rich and the presentation of music is of par excellence. I am enthused to add my voice too by way of a write-up. The music generally speaking is majestic in composition, poetic in diction, lifting in rhythm, moving in appeal and brings-in a serene atmosphere where the audience listen in admiration or glued to silently or sometimes awe struck in devotion.

Voice is sound but when raised by human beings it assumes a tone. We can classify the voice in different ways depending upon the pitch, sruthi, layam, bhava, why and how it is generated.

'Sir, Post' - you can immediately recognize the voice as that of a postman. When you receive a call from your dear and near, you can spot the person in the other end. When you hear in the class 'Of all the lines, the straight line is the shortest', you can assert blindfold that the voice is that of your mathematics teacher, say 'Subba Rao' ( by name) !

It is common the subordinates in the work place receive papers marked by the superior officers as "pl.spk./urgent"! It is one of the ways of setting the tone of the administration.

Friends meet casually in restaurants and get engaged in a friendly talk. There is a loud laughter, may be one of the friends, might have cracked a joke or remarked a point in humor.

The child when hurt brings in a creaking voice to attract the attention of its mother. The mother may shout at the person who has harmed the child.

'Screaming' voice is heard when the power goes off and utter darkness invade. 

Having understood the voice scenario as illustrated in previous paras, we shall now proceed to know the components of voice mechanism. There are 3 components, namely, the lungs, voice box or the larynx and the articulates.

The lungs pump enough air to articulate the vocal folds. The vocal cords or folds then vibrate to create audible pulses. The tongue, palate, cheek, lips act as articulates filter the sound emanating from the larynx.

The human system is just capable of making an array of intricate sound/voice both consistently and dynamically. We should also admit that when struck by enormous fear, we are unable to raise our voice.

In theaters, we hear play back sound. It is the play back singer who enlivens the audience in the movies. Mimicry is different. Some people can speak like the celebrities and entertain the audience, they also perform shows how M.S Dhoni bats, or  AnilKumble bowls or the mannerism m of a VIP and so on. The voice of the Court Jester is always unique and palatable to everyone!

Echo also can be classified as a reflection of sound that arrives after a delay time. The delay is directly proportional to the distance of the reflecting surface. Echo effects provide the desired results while performing magic shows or in dramas performed in theaters or in recorded music and the likes. 

The Echo Wall of the Temples of Heaven in Beijing, China, The Golconda Fort in Hyderabad, India are some of the famous echos in the world.  it is worth mentioning here that in Gol Gumbaz of Bijapur, India -  any whisper or clap sound gets echoed repeatedly.

Finally all of us are aware of the practice in Parliament or State Govt. where the Speaker decides to have the 'Voice Vote' from the honorable assembly to decide if the Govt. enjoys the majority or whether the resolution under discussions could be passed. 

I wish to have your feedback and in lieu of your voice vote, a simple reply mail would be well appreciated.

pn