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History of Hawaiian Falsetto Music
The origins of Hawaiian falsetto singing and how it has
evolved over the years.
Origins of Falsetto Singing
Hawaiian falsetto evolved from ancient Hawaiian chants,
missionary hymns, and the music of the Mexican, Spanish,
and Portuguese immigrants to Hawaii, who introduced
stringed instruments and new harmonies. Those influences
blended together for 100 years to produce Hawaiian style
falsetto singing, or as it is known in Hawaiian, leo ki'eki'e
(high voice).
Can Both Men and Women Be Falsetto Singers?
When Hawaiian women were forbidden to sing in public, men sang
the high-pitched notes usually reserved for women.
Male performers threw their voices into the upper registers of the musical scale,
while singing stories of Hawaiian culture. Today both men and women
sing in the Hawaiian falsetto style, but some purists say only
men should be called falsetto singers, and women should be
called sopranos or female falsetto singers.
Note that the Aloha Festivals Falsetto Contest
is a competition for men only.
Articles About the History of Falsetto Singing
LeAnn Rimes Yodel Translates to Hawaiian Hai
Donne Dawson Hawaiian Falsetto Article
Smithsonian on Hawaiian Falsetto Singing
See also:
Hawaiian Falsetto Singers
Hawaiian Falsetto Contests
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Related Links
Hawaiian Falsetto Singing - Main Menu
Hawaiian Music History
Hawaii Travel Newsletter
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