Comparing the technique of Jonas Kaufmann and Mario del Monaco, with a few others thrown in for explanatory purposes (Jon Vickers, Rosa Ponselle, Caruso, Lauri-Volpi).

Kaufmann – tongue depressed, mouth flat and wide to produce a badly formed un-covered (falsetto-ish) note

Mario del Monaco – jaw dropped, providing support from his diaphragm, produces a strong, rounded, fully covered note (that he holds for a comically long time).

Also compare to: Jon Vickers who (unlike Kaufmann) produces a GOOD uncovered (falsetto) note for comparison, which sounds very similar to a strong, well formed woman's note (e.g. Rosa Ponselle).

(I also forgot to mention that Kaufmann leans his head forward consistently instead of keeping it straight/back – this pushes the note into his head and also contributes to the "muffled" sound)

We intend the upmost respect for all the singers, of course, and we know that it is our job, even as audience members to hold singers to a high standard, to preserve the art form. No disrespect intended – we are just discussing vocal/artistic technique! Let me know if I made any mistakes or anything :)

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