ArticleOpen Access http://dx.doi.org/10.26855/jhass.2025.10.029
Philosophical Reflections on the Relationship Between ‘Voice’ and ‘Emotion’ in Vocal Artistry
Zhifang Liu*, Lizhen Zhang
School of Fine Arts, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, Shanxi, China.
*Corresponding author: Zhifang Liu
Published: November 13,2025
Abstract
Vocal art pursues the intrinsic connection between vocal expression and emotional conveyance, a relationship that permeates the entire process from creation to performance, transcending a mere juxtaposition of form and content. In its development and practice, “sound” and “emotion” constitute two core dimensions: “sound” as the material vehicle encompasses auditory elements such as vocal technique and timbre control, forming the foundation for emotional transmission; ‘emotion’ constitutes the spiritual core, encompassing the creator’s aspirations, the work’s intrinsic meaning, and the performer’s interpretation, serving as the key to endowing sound with vitality. The dynamic interplay between these two elements drives vocal composition and performance, reflecting humanity’s essential connection to achieve spiritual resonance through vocal artistry. This paper adopts a philosophical perspective, grounded in the dialectical materialist theory of “form and content” and integrated with aesthetic reflections on “sensibility and reason”. It dissects the interdependence, constraints, and transformative relationship between “sound” and “emotion”, aiming to provide theoretical support for grasping the essence of vocal art and clarifying its contemporary developmental patterns. It also offers practical insights for learners seeking to enhance their artistic expressiveness.
Keywords
Vocal artistry; Voice; Emotion; Dialectical relationship
References
Li, C. J. (2019). Research on Vocal Art and Aesthetics.
Sun, X. X. (2014). The characterisation of the protagonist in the opera excerpt “A Fine Day”. Grand Stage, (04), 7-8.
https://doi.org/10.15947/j.cnki.dwt.2014.04.069
Wang, S. R. (2012). New Explorations in Speculative Philosophy.
Wei, J. Y. (2008). Philosophical reflections on the relationship between “voice” and “emotion” in vocal art. Journal of Qianxinan Nationalities Teachers College, (03), 62-66.
Xu, B. (2005). Philosophical reflections on the relationship between “voice” and “emotion” in vocal art [Master’s thesis, Capital Normal University].
Xu, X. Y. (2020). The composition and interpretation of the classical poetry art song “I Dwell at the Head of the Yangtze”. Music Creation, (03), 140-145.
Zhang, M. M. (2007). On the aesthetic dialectic of voice and emotion in singing [Master’s thesis, Hunan Normal University].
Zhao, L. P. (2012). The methodological significance of “subject personality” in musical interpretation and reception: A critical study of three interpretations of “For Art, For Love”. Music Research, (03), 109-115+87.
How to cite this paper
Philosophical Reflections on the Relationship Between ‘Voice’ and ‘Emotion’ in Vocal Artistry
How to cite this paper: Zhifang Liu, Lizhen Zhang. (2025) Philosophical Reflections on the Relationship Between ‘Voice’ and ‘Emotion’ in Vocal Artistry. Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Science, 9(10), 2012-2017.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.26855/jhass.2025.10.029