also: しらこえ
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.
Her shrill voice grates on my ears.
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
unaccompanied poem section in noh
In noh, a portion of a poem or text delivered without instrumental backing. A technical performance term.
In Heike Monogatari chanting, the unaccompanied sections especially showcase the narrator's skill.
In the unaccompanied poem sections of noh, the vocal modulation stands out.
Alternate kanji spelling; less common than 素声.
Alternate reading; less common than しらごえ.
Compound of しら (white/pure) and 声 (voice). The exact derivation is uncertain; the spelling 素声 suggests 'unadorned voice,' fitting both the shrill and unaccompanied senses.