Classical Vocal Characteristics Factors which define voice type (Fach) Range Highest and lowest notes Tessitura

The range in which most of the notes lie. Break points, lifts, register shifts Vocal color Voice Fachs Soprano Coloratura Has great flexibility and range Lyric Most common of the Female voice Fachs Generally lighter in vocal color Subretto Lighter is quality than the lyric Personality is more comical Dramatic Heavier and darker than the lyric soprano and generally bigger voice Mezzo Has a lot of the soprano range but also some alto notes Alto Lowest of the female voice types. Bass Lyric Baritone Most common of the male voice Fachs Buffo Baritone Same range as lyric baritone. Plays the comic roles Bass Generally the lowest of the male voice Fachs Stroh Bass /Russian Bass Extreme low range Tenor Counter Tenor Sings in the alto range in falsetto Spinto Lyric tenor who can for short times be dramatic Lyric Tenor Usually plays the romantic leads. Buffo Tenor Same range as the lyric tenor but plays the comic roles. Dramatic Bigger voice than the lyric and somewhat heavier in tone quality Helden Has baritone tone quality in the voice and second tenor range.