Vocal Timbre Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What does the term 'a cappella' refer to?

A type of vocal warm-up

Vocal music with instrumental accompaniment

Music that includes solos

Choral music performed without instrumental accompaniment (correct)

What is an alto voice?

A female voice of low range, usually about G below the treble clef to C in the treble clef.

What defines a baritone voice?

A male voice pitched between the tenor and bass ranges, typically from low G in the bass clef to F1 above the bass clef.

What is a bass voice?

The lowest or deepest male voice, usually ranging from F just below the bass clef to E above middle C. Signup and view all the answers

What is a chamber choir?

A small ensemble of up to about twenty-four singers who usually perform a cappella. Signup and view all the answers

What is a choir?

A group of singers singing in parts with several voices assigned to each part. Signup and view all the answers

What defines a mezzo-soprano voice?

A female voice similar in range to a soprano but darker in color and able to extend lower. Signup and view all the answers

What is the soprano range?

The highest vocal range, usually from about middle C to A5 above the treble clef. Signup and view all the answers

What is a tenor voice?

A male voice range from C3 (below Middle C) to G4 (above Middle C). Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'tessitura'?

The general range of a composition, usually referring to vocal range. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'vocal' refer to?

Pertaining to the voice or music that is sung. Signup and view all the answers

What is 'vocal range'?

The range of notes that a singing voice can encompass. Signup and view all the answers

What is a coloratura?

A soprano who sings elaborate ornamentation and trills. Signup and view all the answers

What defines a 'tenore di forza'?

A male tenor voice able to sing lyrically while pushing to climaxes. Signup and view all the answers

What is a lyric soprano?

A young soprano with a light quality, high tessitura, and great agility. Signup and view all the answers

What defines a lirico spinto voice?

A female voice with characteristics of a lyric soprano but capable of powerful climaxes. Signup and view all the answers

What is a dramatic soprano?

A soprano voice type that utilizes a heavier tone color and more power. Signup and view all the answers

What is a tenore robusto?

The male tenor equivalent of the dramatic soprano. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a Heldentenor?

A robust style of tenor voice suited for heroic operatic roles. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Vocal Terminology

A cappella: Vocal music performed without any instrumental accompaniment, often seen in choral settings.
Alto:
- Low female voice range from approximately G below the treble clef to C in the treble clef.
- Historically, referred to a high male voice using falsetto, known as countertenor.
- Represents the second highest part in a standard four-part chorus.
Baritone:
- The most common male voice range, positioned between tenor and bass, covering low G in the bass clef to F1 above it.
- In barbershop music, baritone can be a voice type that sings bass and lead parts, applicable to both males and females.
Bass:
- Represents the lowest vocal range, ranging from F just below the bass clef to E above middle C.
- Important in music compositions as the foundational lowest part, with subcategories such as basso cantante and basso profundo.
Chamber Choir:
- A small singing ensemble typically consisting of up to 24 singers.
- Primarily performs a cappella but may occasionally use piano accompaniment.
Choir:
- A collective of singers performing in parts, with multiple voices on each part.
- Refers also to a designated area in a cathedral reserved for choir members.
Mezzo-soprano:
- Female vocal range sitting between soprano and alto, characterized by a darker sound with lower extension capabilities.
Soprano:
- Denotes the highest vocal range, usually held by females, but can also include boys’ voices.
- Traditional vocal range spans from middle C to A5 above the treble clef; professional sopranos can reach C6 or higher.
- Contains various classifications based on tonal qualities.
Tenor:
- Male voice range extending from C3 (below middle C) to G4 (above middle C).
- Historically the melody in polyphonic compositions during the Medieval era.
Tessitura:
- Indicates the general vocal range of a composition or a specific voice within a work.
Vocal:
- Refers to the voice as an instrument or anything relating to singing.
- Example includes piano/vocal scores containing both piano and vocal parts.
Vocal Range:
- The spectrum of notes that a singer can produce effectively.
Coloratura:
- A soprano singer known for elaborate ornamentation and intricate vocal runs, prevalent in 18th and 19th-century operatic arias requiring an extensive high range.
Tenore di Forza:
- A tenor voice that combines lyrical singing with the ability to reach powerful climaxes.
Lyric Soprano:
- Young female sopranos utilizing a light voice quality, high tessitura, and agility in singing.
Lirico Spinto:
- A female voice exhibiting light lyric characteristics that can deliver powerful dramatic climaxes.
Dramatic Soprano:
- A heavier-toned female voice with significant power throughout her vocal range.
Tenore Robusto:
- A tenor voice type equivalent to the dramatic soprano, embodying robust power.
Heldentenor:
- A heroic tenor style particularly suited for operatic roles emphasizing strength and robustness.

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Explore the concepts of vocal timbre with these flashcards. This quiz covers essential terms related to vocal music, including definitions and classifications of voice types. Ideal for students and enthusiasts of choral music.