(CNN) -
Freddie Mercury's voice was unique and a group of researchers analyzed it to delve into the aspects that made it incredible.
The study
Freddie Mercury: acoustic analysis of speaking fundamental frequency, vibrato, and subharmonics
was recently published in the journal
Speech Therapy Phoniatrics Vocology
and analyzes the vocal capabilities of the Queen singer.
The Austrian, Czech and Swedish team of researchers used archive recordings to delve into the sound of Mercury's voice, which has been described as "a force of nature with the speed of a hurricane."
"Freddie Mercury was one of the best-known singers in commercial contemporary music of the 20th century," the investigation reads.
"This study presents an acoustic analysis of the production of his voice and singing style, based on perceptual and quantitative analysis of the sound recordings available to the public."
The study found that Mercury, who died of HIV-related complications in 1991, was a master at modulating his voice.
The results included evidence that he used "subharmonics" by vibrating his ventricular folds, a technique normally found only in throat singers.
"Perceptually irregular (and generally faster), Freddie Mercury's vibrato is clearly heard in the sustained notes of famous songs like
Bohemian Rhapsody
or
We Are the Champions
+, and it seems to be one of the fundamental pillars of his vocal style" says the study.
The investigation was released on the heels of news that a Mercury notebook, with lyrics to 19 songs, would go up for auction in June.
Article originally published on April 21, 2016.
AcousticsFreddie MercuryQueenVoice