King Richard III’s voice has been re-created using state-of-the-art technology, revealing a more common and earthy twang rather than the upper-class tones of his modern successors. The re-creation was part of a project led by British vocal coach Yvonne Morley-Chisholm, which took 10 years to complete and involved various specialists and disciplines. Linguist David Crystal reconstructed the 15th-century pronunciation to create an accent that had distinctive echoes of Yorkshire. The re-creation was based on evidence from historical and scientific research, including the discovery of Richard’s skeletal remains in a Leicester parking lot in 2012. This discovery debunked myths about Richard, such as his hunchback appearance, and allowed for a more accurate portrayal of his character.
The project also involved finding an actor, Thomas Dennis, to bring the king’s avatar to life, with guidance from historian Philippa Langley. The re-creation provides a unique insight into the personality and voice of Richard III during his lifetime. Experts involved in the project, such as Mathew Morris, believe it is a significant step in exploring the less tangible facets of Richard’s life and could inspire similar projects for other historical figures. Crystal expressed excitement about the potential for re-creating other famous faces and voices from the past.
The re-creation of King Richard III’s voice offers a glimpse into history, shedding light on the language and personality of the monarch, challenging stereotypes and providing a unique experience for audiences to connect with the past.
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