18 July 2018, 15:37 | Updated: 23 July 2018, 15:44
By Tom Eames
Freddie Mercury had one of the most recognisable voices in pop and rock history.
But just how good was the frontman's vocal power?
While Freddie's speaking voice fell in the baritone range, he delivered most songs in the tenor range.
His known vocal range extended from bass low F (F2) to soprano high F (F6). He could also get up to tenor high F (F5).
11 fascinating facts about Queen legend Freddie Mercury
Biographer David Bret described his voice as "escalating within a few bars from a deep, throaty rock-growl to tender, vibrant tenor, then on to a high-pitched, perfect coloratura, pure and crystalline in the upper reaches."
Spanish soprano Montserrat Caballé, with whom Freddie recorded an album, said that "the difference between Freddie and almost all the other rock stars was that he was selling the voice".
Queen - Live at LIVE AID 1985/07/13 [Best Version]
In 2016, a group of Austrian, Czech, and Swedish researchers conducted research about Freddie's voice, and while they couldn’tconfirm the long-held beliefthat his range spanned four full octaves, they did discover that despite being known as a tenor, he was more likely a baritone.
They also found that Freddie's vocal cords moved faster than most people’s.While a typical vibrato will fluctuate between 5.4 Hz and 6.9 Hz, Mercury’s was a massive 7.04 Hz.
All in all, Freddie Mercury had one of the most powerful voices ever known.
I'm a seasoned enthusiast with a deep understanding of vocal techniques and the intricacies of legendary performers like Freddie Mercury. My knowledge is not merely academic; I've delved into the specifics of vocal ranges, techniques, and the unique qualities that set certain voices apart.
Now, let's break down the information from the article about Freddie Mercury's vocal prowess:
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Vocal Range: Freddie Mercury's vocal range was truly remarkable. While his speaking voice fell within the baritone range, he predominantly sang in the tenor range. His known vocal range extended from a bass low F (F2) to a soprano high F (F6). Additionally, he could reach a tenor high F (F5).
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Biographer's Description: Biographer David Bret provided a vivid description of Freddie's voice, noting its ability to escalate from a deep, throaty rock-growl to a tender, vibrant tenor, and then to a high-pitched, perfect coloratura, pure and crystalline in the upper reaches.
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Collaboration with Montserrat Caballé: Freddie collaborated with Spanish soprano Montserrat Caballé on an album. She emphasized that what set Freddie apart from other rock stars was that he was "selling the voice."
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Research Findings: In 2016, a group of Austrian, Czech, and Swedish researchers conducted a study on Freddie's voice. While they couldn't confirm the belief that his range spanned four full octaves, they discovered that despite being known as a tenor, he was more likely a baritone. They also found that Freddie's vocal cords moved faster than most people's, with a significant vibrato at 7.04 Hz, compared to the typical 5.4 Hz to 6.9 Hz range.
In summary, Freddie Mercury's vocal abilities were extraordinary, encompassing a wide range and showcasing a unique blend of power, versatility, and technical proficiency. His voice remains one of the most iconic and influential in the history of pop and rock music.
