Campbell Vertesi

Hello, I am new to this blog, and like it already. Do you have any advice for an aspiring bass singer? I would love to be able to sing deep basso profundo notes like the Russian singers who can get down to low low G. Right now I can reach around a low C, maybe B. Apparantley being able to get down to an A is a benchmark of sorts. Any advice as to how to develop a good Basso Profundo voice and range? How low can you go?

Hi Sam -
I'm not much of a specialist in Oktavist singing, but you're right that it takes a lot of specialized training. I'm working my voice in the other direction: UP, in order to sing operatic repertoire.

I'm confused by your terminology for the octaves. a "low low G" is a G two octaves below the treble staff (G2). Yes, most basses (including myself) can sing that easily. A low C (C3) is a fifth above that, in the middle of the bass clef. If that is your lowest note, you are more likely a baritone or tenor of some description. Sorry, but you can't fight biology!

But from the context of your comment, it sounds like you're talking about the octave below that. G1 is a hell of a low note, but it's not the lowest I've heard. Real oktavists can be comfortable singing in that range, and even lower. I personally bottom out around A2 (one note higher than G1) or Bb2. I have vocal fry below that, but I've never developed it into a usable tone.

How would one go about trying to learn Oktavist singing? Is it true that the voices of most basses mature and get deeper with age, so you won't attain your lowest notes until perhaps 30 or even 40? Thanks!

I don't know what resources there are in North America for real profundo/oktavist training. My best guess would be to try contacting a Russian choral organization. They would know a lot more about it!

The sound of a bass voice tends to get richer and "deeper" with age, but not necessarily the range. A lot is dependent on training, of course! Good luck!