Voice Classifications OPERA Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What term describes an agile, high upper extension capable of fast coloratura?

Lyric Coloratura (correct)

Soubrette

Light Lyric Soprano

Dramatic Coloratura

Which voice type has a large voice and can sing with full voice over an orchestra?

Spinto Soprano

Dramatic Coloratura (correct)

Soubrette

Lyric Soprano

What is a characteristic of a soubrette voice?

Dramatic voice suitable for Wagnerian roles

Lowest female operatic voice

Powerful and rich voice

Light voice with a bright and sweet timbre (correct)

What is tessitura?

The most comfortable range for a singer Signup and view all the answers

Which type of soprano has a warm voice that can be heard over an orchestra?

Lyric Soprano Signup and view all the answers

A light lyric soprano often has a full package of musicianship, appearance, and stagecraft.

True Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a full lyric soprano?

More mature sound than other sopranos Signup and view all the answers

What does a spinto soprano offer in performance?

Brightness and height of lyric, with the ability to push to dramatic climaxes Signup and view all the answers

Which voice type is characterized by a powerful, rich voice and can sing over a full orchestra?

Dramatic Soprano Signup and view all the answers

What is unique about a Wagnerian soprano?

A dramatic voice that can assert itself over a large orchestra Signup and view all the answers

What voice type was well represented in the Baroque era?

Mezzo Soprano Signup and view all the answers

Contralto is the lowest female operatic voice and is very common.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of a countertenor voice?

Higher than tenor Signup and view all the answers

What type of tenor is characterized as a male lyric coloratura?

Leggiero Tenor Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Voice Classifications in Opera

Lyric Coloratura:
- Agile voice with high upper extension
- Capable of executing fast coloratura passages
Dramatic Coloratura:
- Features a large voice
- Can produce sound powerful enough to sing over an orchestra
Soubrette:
- Light voice with bright, sweet timbre
- Typically has a middle-range tessitura, suitable for playful or flirtatious roles
Tessitura:
- Refers to the range within which a singer feels most comfortable singing
Lyric Soprano:
- Warm voice characterized by bright and full timbre
- Able to project over an orchestra
- Higher tessitura than a soubrette, often portrays sympathetic characters
- Divided into light lyric soprano and full lyric soprano
Light Lyric Soprano:
- Typically possesses a "full package" of musicianship, appearance, and stage presence
Full Lyric Soprano:
- Exhibits a more mature sound
- Generally does not take on as light of roles compared to lighter sopranos
Spinto Soprano:
- Described as "pushed lyric"
- Combines brightness and agility of lyric with the ability to reach dramatic climaxes
Dramatic Soprano:
- Features a powerful, rich voice capable of singing over a full orchestra
- Has a lower tessitura and darker timbre, often representing heroic or tragic female characters
Wagnerian Soprano:
- Dramatic voice capable of dominating over a large orchestra
- Possesses power and consistency across vocal registers
Mezzo Soprano:
- Strong presence in baroque era music
- Has wider range requirements compared to choral voices, but can overlap with sopranos
Contralto/Alto:
- Represents the lowest female operatic voice
- Characterized by a deep and dark timbre, extremely rare
Countertenor/Soprano/Haute-Contre:
- Voice type higher than tenor, often used in early music and opera
Leggiero Tenor:
- Male lyric coloratura
- Known for a light and agile voice suitable for rapid passages

Description

Explore various voice classifications in opera through this engaging flashcard quiz. Each card presents a specific term and its definition, helping you understand the nuances of vocal types such as lyric coloratura and soubrette. Perfect for music students and opera enthusiasts.