A P E H

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OPERA:
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VOICE
TYPES

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 OPERATIC VOICES
One of the most magical things about opera is that it takes
advantage of the broad spectrum of the human singing
voice. From vocal range to timbre, weight, and more, there
is a lot that makes each opera voice unique and powerful.
In order to more easily match performers to roles,
systems were created over time to categorize voice
types. This made it easier for composers to create roles
that would broadly correspond to larger voice types
instead of to individual singers.
 MALE VOICES

Countertenor Baritone

Tenor Bass
 E N O R
U N T E RT A male adult voice that
CO sings in the alto or
mezzo-soprano range
using falsetto vocal
technique.
The highest natural male TENOR
voice type, characterized by
its bright and powerful
sound, often cast as
romantic leads or heroic
characters.
 R I T O N E A middle-range male
B A voice type, known for its
richness and versatility,
often portraying a wide
range of characters
from villains to fathers.
The lowest male voice type, BASS
featuring a deep and
resonant sound, typically
cast in roles of authority or
wisdom, such as kings,
fathers or villains.
 FEMALE VOICES

Soprano Contralto
Mezzo-Soprano
 R A N O
S OP The highest natural female
voice type, known for its bright
and soaring quality, often cast
as heroines, ingenues, or
virtuosic roles.
A middle-range female MEZZO
voice type, characterized -SOPR
by its warm and rich tone, ANO
often portraying characters
with depth and complexity,
including mothers,
confidantes, or villains.
 A L T O
C O N TR The lowest female voice
type, featuring a dark and
powerful sound, often cast in
roles of wisdom, maturity, or
authority, such as witches,
mothers, or sorceresses.
THAT'S A WRAP!