Statistical model based emotional singing voice synthesis by F0 contour modification

This paper describes an emotional singing voice synthesis algorithm based on hidden Markov model. To express a particular emotion, the fundamental frequency (F0) contour of singing voice is modified by controlling the parameters consisting of vibrato extent, vibrato rate, overshoot, and preparation. Experimental results on the effectiveness of F0 contour modification in expressing a certain emotion is described. We have found that F0 contour modification is effective in expressing a “sad” emotion but not effective in expressing a “happy” emotion.