| I have zero training in voice or musical theory, so apologies in advance if my descriptive language is imprecise. I think many theatergoers associate the light and airy tenor of singers such as Tveit with youth and innocence. So when people say that Tveit doesn’t have the vocal heft expected of Sweeney, the implication is that the voice doesn’t convey life experience, the gravitas of someone who’s gone through hell and back. Others might put it another way — the voice “lacks grit,” “lacks a sense of maturity,” etc. Of course, as your post seems to be suggesting, in real life, “damaged” people don’t have to “sound” damaged. But in the artificial world of theater, the impression conveyed by vocal types do matter for many people. |
