Duality of Voice

by Emil Sutro

"Duality of Voice" by Emil Sutro is a research treatise written in the late 19th century. The work presents a comprehensive analysis of the human voice, asserting that vocal production involves a dual nature transcending traditional anatomical understandings. The author embarks on an exploration of how sound is generated, emphasizing the significance of the œsophagus alongside conventional vocal cords, and seeks to redefine established notions in the fields of voice science and psychology. The opening of the book introduces Sutro's fundamental discovery regarding the duality of the human voice, asserting that vocalization arises from both respiratory paths: the trachea and the œsophagus. He discusses his journey of introspection, a method through which he has made considerable observations about voice production, revealing that the delivery of sound involves not only anatomical structures but also spiritual elements. Sutro expresses his initial motivations for studying the voice—seeking to master English pronunciation—and reflects on the broader implications of his findings, suggesting that they may lead to profound insights into the human experience and the dual nature of mankind. Through a combination of personal narrative and scientific inquiry, he invites readers to reconsider how they understand vocalization and its connection to the essence of being human.