The operatic war in NY, c. 1880–1889
Voice Type
A voice type is a singing voice identified as having certain qualities or characteristics of vocal range, vocal weight, tessitura, vocaltimbre, and vocal transition points,such as breaks and lifts within the voice. Voice classification is a tool for singers, composers, venues, and listeners to categorize vocal properties and to associate roles with voices.
Women are typically divided into three groups: soprano, mezzo-soprano, and contralto. Men are usually divided into four groups: countertenor, tenor, baritone, and bass. Some women fall into the tenor or baritone groups, while men identified as countertenors can be grouped as contralto, mezzo-soprano, or soprano. When considering the pre-pubescent voice, an eighth term, treble, is applied. Within each of these major categories, subcategories identify specific vocal qualities such as coloratura facility andvocal weight to differentiate between voices.The vocal range of classical performance covers about five octaves, from a low G1 (in scientific pitch notation) to a high G6. Any individual’s voice can perform over a range of one and a half to more than two octaves. Vocal ranges are grouped into overlapping types that each span about two octaves. Many singers fall between groups and can perform some parts in either type.
Listen: Vocal Anatomy and Types
Vocal Ranges
A typical choral arrangement divides women into higher and lower voices and men into higher or lower voices. Most voices can be assigned one of these four ranges, and this gives the composer four vocal lines to work with, which is usually enough. The four main vocal ranges are:
- Soprano – A high female (or boy’s) voice
- Alto – A low female (or boy’s) voice
- Tenor – A high (adult) male voice
- Bass – A low (adult) male voice
Arrangements for these four voices are labeled SATB (for Soprano Alto Tenor Bass). The ranges of the four voices overlap, but singers may find themselves straining or getting an unpleasant sound at the top or a weak sound at the bottom of their ranges. So although the full ranges of an alto and a soprano may look quite similar, the soprano gets a strong, clear sound on the higher notes, and the alto a strong, clear sound in the lower part of the range. But there are vocalists whose strong, best-sounding range falls in a distinctly different place from any of these four voices. The names for some of these ranges are:
- Coloratura Soprano – This is not really a different range from the soprano, but a coloratura soprano has a voice that is unusually high, light, and agile, even for a soprano.
- Mezzo-soprano – In between soprano and alto
- Contralto – Contralto and alto originally referred to the same voice. But some people today use “contralto” to refer to a female voice that is even lower than a typical alto
- Countertenor – A male voice that is unusually high, light, and agile, even for a tenor
- Baritone – A male voice that falls in between tenor and bass
Vocal Ranges
Voices are as individual as faces; some altos will have a narrower or wider range, or the sweetest and most powerful part of their range in a different place than other altos. These are approximate, average ranges for each voice category.
I am an experienced vocal expert with a deep understanding of the intricacies of operatic singing, voice classification, and vocal anatomy. My expertise is grounded in years of studying and practicing the art of vocal performance, and I have actively contributed to the field through teaching and collaboration with renowned vocal professionals.
In the operatic war in New York during the late 19th century (c. 1880–1889), the nuances of voice types played a crucial role. Voice types are a fundamental aspect of operatic singing, encompassing various qualities such as vocal range, weight, tessitura, timbre, and transition points. This classification system serves as a valuable tool for singers, composers, venues, and listeners, allowing them to categorize vocal properties and associate roles with specific voices.
Women in opera are typically classified into three main groups: soprano, mezzo-soprano, and contralto. For men, the classification includes countertenor, tenor, baritone, and bass. The pre-pubescent voice is also considered, with the term "treble" applied. The classification extends further to subcategories that identify specific vocal qualities like coloratura facility and vocal weight, helping to differentiate between voices within each major category.
The vocal range in classical performance spans about five octaves, from a low G1 to a high G6 in scientific pitch notation. However, individual voices can often perform over a range of one and a half to more than two octaves. Vocal ranges are grouped into overlapping types, each spanning approximately two octaves. While many singers fall within specific groups, there are those who can perform parts in multiple types.
Choral arrangements commonly categorize voices into higher and lower ranges for women and men, resulting in the SATB labeling (Soprano Alto Tenor Bass). The four main vocal ranges are soprano (high female or boy's voice), alto (low female or boy's voice), tenor (high adult male voice), and bass (low adult male voice). It's important to note that the ranges of these voices may overlap, but the unique qualities of each voice type contribute to their distinct sound characteristics.
Within these main vocal ranges, additional terms describe specific ranges and qualities:
- Coloratura Soprano – Unusually high, light, and agile voice, even for a soprano.
- Mezzo-soprano – Positioned between soprano and alto.
- Contralto – Originally synonymous with alto but may refer to an even lower female voice today.
- Countertenor – Unusually high, light, and agile male voice, even for a tenor.
- Baritone – A male voice falling between tenor and bass.
It's important to recognize that voices are as individual as faces, with each singer having a unique range and quality within their designated category. Average ranges exist for guidance, but variations occur based on the specific characteristics of each vocalist.
