Do you like either or both of these examples? (why or why not?) Have you noticed the quality of vibrato in any of the music you listen to? If you have noticed, what makes you aware of it? If you haven’t noticed the vibrato, why do you think you have not been aware of it? You may want to take note of the use of vibrato as expression in your own chosen piece of music as well.
I like the first one only because I am impressed at the vocal skill of those singing. Being a singer myself I am able to understand the work and education required to get where they are at and I am baffled. In terms of vibrato the song from Rent seems to be lacking especially compared to the first piece. Musical theatre and opera while similar in many ways are not so musically similar in their use of vibrato. In my own piece of music there is next to no use of vibrato. The piece of music isn’t very intense even in its most grand sections. The vocalists maintain a straight tone often as if to maintain unity as much as possible. It is very much the story of once voice and in that way it makes more sense for it to be straight.
Nathan's Music Blog 