素声しらごえ

noun

shrill voice; high-pitched voice

Refers to a voice that is sharp, high, and often unpleasant or strained. Not a neutral descriptor for a high voice.

• 彼かの女じょの素声しらごえが耳みみに障さわる。

  Her shrill voice grates on my ears.

noun

unaccompanied Heike Monogatari chanting

Specialized term in Heike biwa performance: the part of the narrative chanted without instrumental accompaniment. Usually written 素声.

See also: 平曲

• 平へい曲きょくでは、素声しらごえの部ぶ分ぶんが特とくに語かたりの力ちからを見みせる。

  In Heike Monogatari chanting, the unaccompanied sections especially showcase the narrator's skill.

noun

unaccompanied poem section in noh

In noh, a portion of a poem or text delivered without instrumental backing. A technical performance term.

• 能のうの素声しらごえの箇か所しょでは、謡うたいの抑よく揚ようが際きわ立だつ。

  In the unaccompanied poem sections of noh, the vocal modulation stands out.