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Mezzo-soprano

February 12, 2023

A mezzo-soprano or mezzo (English: /ˈmɛtsoʊ/; Italian: [ˌmɛddzosoˈpraːno]; meaning "half soprano") is a type of classical female singing voice whose vocal range lies between the soprano and the contralto voice types. The mezzo-soprano's vocal range usually extends from the A below middle C to the A two octaves above (i.e. A3–A5 in scientific pitch notation, where middle C = C4; 220–880 Hz). In the lower and upper extremes, some mezzo-sopranos may extend down to the F below middle C (F3, 175 Hz) and as high as "high C" (C6, 1047 Hz).[1] The mezzo-soprano voice type is generally divided into the coloratura, lyric, and dramatic mezzo-soprano.

History

While mezzo-sopranos typically sing secondary roles in operas, notable exceptions include the title role in Bizet's Carmen, Angelina (Cinderella) in Rossini's La Cenerentola, and Rosina in Rossini's Barber of Seville (all of which are also sung by sopranos and contraltos). Many 19th-century French-language operas give the leading female role to mezzos, including Béatrice et Bénédict, La damnation de Faust, Don Quichotte, La favorite, Dom Sébastien, Charles VI, Mignon, Samson et Dalila, Les Troyens, and Werther, as well as Carmen.

Typical roles for mezzo-sopranos include the stereotypical triad associated with contraltos of "witches, bitches, and britches": witches, nurses, and wise women, such as Azucena in Verdi's Il trovatore; villains and seductresses such as Amneris in Verdi's Aida; and "breeches roles" or "trouser roles" (male characters played by female singers) such as Cherubino in Mozart's Le nozze di Figaro. Mezzo-sopranos are well represented in baroque music, early music, and baroque opera.[1] Some roles designated for lighter soubrette sopranos are sung by mezzo-sopranos, who often provide a fuller, more dramatic quality. Such roles include Despina in Mozart's Così fan tutte and Zerlina in his Don Giovanni.[2] Mezzos sometimes play dramatic soprano roles such as Santuzza in Mascagni's Cavalleria rusticana, Lady Macbeth in Verdi's Macbeth, and Kundry in Wagner's Parsifal.[3]

Vocal range

 
Mezzo-soprano vocal range (A3–A5) notated on the treble staff and on piano keyboard in green with dot marking middle C (C4).
 

The vocal range of the mezzo-sopranos lies between the soprano and the contralto voice types. Mezzo-sopranos generally have a heavier, darker tone than sopranos. The mezzo-soprano voice resonates in a higher range than that of a contralto. The terms Dugazon and Galli-Marié are sometimes used to refer to light mezzo-sopranos, after the names of famous singers. Usually men singing within the female range are called countertenors since there is a lighter more breathy tonal (falsetto) quality difference.[4] In current operatic practice, female singers with very low tessituras are often included among mezzo-sopranos, because singers in both ranges are able to cover the other, and true operatic contraltos are very rare.[1]

Subtypes and roles in opera

Within the mezzo-soprano voice type category are three generally recognized subcategories: coloratura mezzo-soprano, lyric mezzo-soprano, and dramatic mezzo-soprano.

Coloratura

A coloratura mezzo-soprano has a warm lower register and an agile high register. The roles they sing often demand not only the use of the lower register but also leaps into the upper tessitura with highly ornamented, rapid passages. They have a range from approximately the G below middle C (G3, 196 Hz) to the B two octaves above middle C (B5, 988 Hz). Some coloratura mezzo-sopranos can sing up to high C (C6, 1047 Hz) or high D (D6, 1175 Hz), but this is very rare.[1] What distinguishes these voices from being called sopranos is their extension into the lower register and warmer vocal quality. Although coloratura mezzo-sopranos have impressive and at times thrilling high notes, they are most comfortable singing in the middle of their range, rather than the top.[3]

Many of the hero roles in the operas of Handel and Monteverdi, originally sung by male castrati, can be successfully sung today by coloratura mezzo-sopranos. Rossini demanded similar qualities for his comic heroines, and Vivaldi wrote roles frequently for this voice as well. Coloratura mezzo-sopranos also often sing lyric-mezzo-soprano roles or soubrette roles.[2]

Coloratura mezzo-soprano roles in operas (*denotes a lead role):

Lyric

The lyric mezzo-soprano has a range from approximately the G note below middle C (G3, 196 Hz) to the A two octaves above middle C (A5, 880 Hz).[1] This voice has a very smooth, sensitive and at times lachrymose quality. Lyric mezzo-sopranos do not have the vocal agility of the coloratura mezzo-soprano or the size of the dramatic mezzo-soprano. The lyric mezzo-soprano is ideal for most trouser roles.[3]

Lyric mezzo-soprano roles in operas (*denotes a lead role):

Dramatic

A dramatic mezzo-soprano has a strong medium register, a warm high register and a voice that is broader and more powerful than the lyric and coloratura mezzo-sopranos. This voice has less vocal facility than the coloratura mezzo-soprano. The range of the dramatic mezzo-soprano is from approximately the F below middle C (F3, 175 Hz) to the G two octaves above middle C (G5, 784 Hz).[1] The dramatic mezzo-soprano can sing over an orchestra and chorus with ease and was often used in the 19th century opera, to portray older women, mothers, witches and evil characters. Verdi wrote many roles for this voice in the Italian repertoire and there are also a few good roles in the French Literature. The majority of these roles, however, are within the German Romantic repertoire of composers like Wagner and Richard Strauss. Like coloratura mezzos, dramatic mezzos are also often cast in lyric mezzo-soprano roles.[3]

Dramatic mezzo-soprano roles in operas (*denotes a lead role):

Gilbert and Sullivan and operetta

All of Gilbert and Sullivan's Savoy operas have at least one mezzo-soprano character. Notable operetta roles are:

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f Appelman, D. Ralph (1986). The Science of Vocal Pedagogy: Theory and Application. Indiana University Press. ISBN 978-0-253-20378-6.
  2. ^ a b Boldrey, Richard; Robert Caldwell; Werner Singer; Joan Wall; Roger Pines (1992). Singer's Edition (Soubrette): Operatic Arias – Soubrette. Caldwell Publishing. ISBN 978-1-877761-03-4.
  3. ^ a b c d Boldrey, Richard (1994). Guide to Operatic Roles and Arias. Caldwell Publishing. ISBN 978-1-877761-64-5.
  4. ^ Stark, James (2003). Bel Canto: A History of Vocal Pedagogy. University of Toronto Press. ISBN 978-0-8020-8614-3.

Further reading

External links

  •   Media related to Mezzo-sopranos at Wikimedia Commons
  •   The dictionary definition of Mezzo-soprano at Wiktionary
  • Mezzo-soprano voices with video examples

February 12, 2023
mezzo, soprano, mezzo, soprano, mezzo, english, italian, ˌmɛddzosoˈpraːno, meaning, half, soprano, type, classical, female, singing, voice, whose, vocal, range, lies, between, soprano, contralto, voice, types, mezzo, soprano, vocal, range, usually, extends, fr. A mezzo soprano or mezzo English ˈ m ɛ t s oʊ Italian ˌmɛddzosoˈpraːno meaning half soprano is a type of classical female singing voice whose vocal range lies between the soprano and the contralto voice types The mezzo soprano s vocal range usually extends from the A below middle C to the A two octaves above i e A3 A5 in scientific pitch notation where middle C C4 220 880 Hz In the lower and upper extremes some mezzo sopranos may extend down to the F below middle C F3 175 Hz and as high as high C C6 1047 Hz 1 The mezzo soprano voice type is generally divided into the coloratura lyric and dramatic mezzo soprano Contents 1 History 2 Vocal range 3 Subtypes and roles in opera 3 1 Coloratura 3 2 Lyric 3 3 Dramatic 3 4 Gilbert and Sullivan and operetta 4 See also 5 References 6 Further reading 7 External linksHistory EditWhile mezzo sopranos typically sing secondary roles in operas notable exceptions include the title role in Bizet s Carmen Angelina Cinderella in Rossini s La Cenerentola and Rosina in Rossini s Barber of Seville all of which are also sung by sopranos and contraltos Many 19th century French language operas give the leading female role to mezzos including Beatrice et Benedict La damnation de Faust Don Quichotte La favorite Dom Sebastien Charles VI Mignon Samson et Dalila Les Troyens and Werther as well as Carmen Typical roles for mezzo sopranos include the stereotypical triad associated with contraltos of witches bitches and britches witches nurses and wise women such as Azucena in Verdi s Il trovatore villains and seductresses such as Amneris in Verdi s Aida and breeches roles or trouser roles male characters played by female singers such as Cherubino in Mozart s Le nozze di Figaro Mezzo sopranos are well represented in baroque music early music and baroque opera 1 Some roles designated for lighter soubrette sopranos are sung by mezzo sopranos who often provide a fuller more dramatic quality Such roles include Despina in Mozart s Cosi fan tutte and Zerlina in his Don Giovanni 2 Mezzos sometimes play dramatic soprano roles such as Santuzza in Mascagni s Cavalleria rusticana Lady Macbeth in Verdi s Macbeth and Kundry in Wagner s Parsifal 3 Vocal range Edit Mezzo soprano vocal range A3 A5 notated on the treble staff and on piano keyboard in green with dot marking middle C C4 The vocal range of the mezzo sopranos lies between the soprano and the contralto voice types Mezzo sopranos generally have a heavier darker tone than sopranos The mezzo soprano voice resonates in a higher range than that of a contralto The terms Dugazon and Galli Marie are sometimes used to refer to light mezzo sopranos after the names of famous singers Usually men singing within the female range are called countertenors since there is a lighter more breathy tonal falsetto quality difference 4 In current operatic practice female singers with very low tessituras are often included among mezzo sopranos because singers in both ranges are able to cover the other and true operatic contraltos are very rare 1 Subtypes and roles in opera EditWithin the mezzo soprano voice type category are three generally recognized subcategories coloratura mezzo soprano lyric mezzo soprano and dramatic mezzo soprano Coloratura Edit A coloratura mezzo soprano has a warm lower register and an agile high register The roles they sing often demand not only the use of the lower register but also leaps into the upper tessitura with highly ornamented rapid passages They have a range from approximately the G below middle C G3 196 Hz to the B two octaves above middle C B5 988 Hz Some coloratura mezzo sopranos can sing up to high C C6 1047 Hz or high D D6 1175 Hz but this is very rare 1 What distinguishes these voices from being called sopranos is their extension into the lower register and warmer vocal quality Although coloratura mezzo sopranos have impressive and at times thrilling high notes they are most comfortable singing in the middle of their range rather than the top 3 Many of the hero roles in the operas of Handel and Monteverdi originally sung by male castrati can be successfully sung today by coloratura mezzo sopranos Rossini demanded similar qualities for his comic heroines and Vivaldi wrote roles frequently for this voice as well Coloratura mezzo sopranos also often sing lyric mezzo soprano roles or soubrette roles 2 Coloratura mezzo soprano roles in operas denotes a lead role Angelina Cenerentola La Cenerentola Rossini Ariodante Ariodante Handel Baba the Turk The Rake s Progress Stravinsky Griselda Griselda Vivaldi Isabella L italiana in Algeri Rossini Isolier Le comte Ory Rossini Julius Caesar Giulio Cesare Handel Orsini Lucrezia Borgia Donizetti Romeo I Capuleti e i Montecchi Vincenzo Bellini Ruggiero Alcina Handel Rosina The Barber of Seville Rossini Serse Serse Handel Tancredi Tancredi Rossini Lyric Edit The lyric mezzo soprano has a range from approximately the G note below middle C G3 196 Hz to the A two octaves above middle C A5 880 Hz 1 This voice has a very smooth sensitive and at times lachrymose quality Lyric mezzo sopranos do not have the vocal agility of the coloratura mezzo soprano or the size of the dramatic mezzo soprano The lyric mezzo soprano is ideal for most trouser roles 3 Lyric mezzo soprano roles in operas denotes a lead role Ariadne The Minotaur Birtwistle Carmen Carmen Bizet Charlotte Werther Massenet The Composer Ariadne auf Naxos Richard Strauss Dido Dido and Aeneas Purcell Hansel Hansel and Gretel Humperdinck Jo Little Women Mark Adamo Marguerite La damnation de Faust Berlioz Meg Little Women Mark Adamo Mignon Mignon Ambroise Thomas Miranda The Tempest Thomas Ades Mother Amahl and the Night Visitors Menotti Nicklausse The Tales of Hoffmann Offenbach Octavian Der Rosenkavalier Richard Strauss The Pilgrim L Amour de loin Kaija Saariaho Sesto Giulio Cesare Handel Siebel Faust Gounod Sorceress Dido and Aeneas Purcell Stephano Romeo et Juliette Charles Gounod Suzuki Madama Butterfly Puccini Dramatic Edit A dramatic mezzo soprano has a strong medium register a warm high register and a voice that is broader and more powerful than the lyric and coloratura mezzo sopranos This voice has less vocal facility than the coloratura mezzo soprano The range of the dramatic mezzo soprano is from approximately the F below middle C F3 175 Hz to the G two octaves above middle C G5 784 Hz 1 The dramatic mezzo soprano can sing over an orchestra and chorus with ease and was often used in the 19th century opera to portray older women mothers witches and evil characters Verdi wrote many roles for this voice in the Italian repertoire and there are also a few good roles in the French Literature The majority of these roles however are within the German Romantic repertoire of composers like Wagner and Richard Strauss Like coloratura mezzos dramatic mezzos are also often cast in lyric mezzo soprano roles 3 Dramatic mezzo soprano roles in operas denotes a lead role Azucena Il trovatore Verdi Amneris Aida Verdi Adelaide Arabella Richard Strauss Brangane Tristan und Isolde Richard Wagner The Gingerbread Witch Hansel and Gretel Humperdinck The Countess The Queen of Spades Tchaikovsky Dalila Samson and Delilah Saint Saens Dido Les Troyens Berlioz Eboli Don Carlos Verdi Fricka Das Rheingold Die Walkure Wagner Herodias Salome Richard Strauss Judith Bluebeard s Castle Bartok Klytamnestra Elektra Richard Strauss Laura La Gioconda Ponchielli Marina Boris Godunov Mussorgsky Gertrude Mother Hansel and Gretel Humperdinck Ortrud Lohengrin Wagner Princess de Bouillon Adriana Lecouvreur Cilea Waltraute Gotterdammerung Wagner Gilbert and Sullivan and operetta Edit All of Gilbert and Sullivan s Savoy operas have at least one mezzo soprano character Notable operetta roles are The Lady Angela Patience Gilbert and Sullivan Constance The Sorcerer Gilbert and Sullivan Cousin Hebe H M S Pinafore Gilbert and Sullivan Edith The Pirates of Penzance Gilbert and Sullivan Iolanthe Iolanthe Gilbert and Sullivan Mad Margaret Ruddigore Gilbert and Sullivan Melissa Princess Ida Gilbert and Sullivan Pitti Sing The Mikado Gilbert and Sullivan Phoebe Meryll The Yeomen of the Guard Gilbert and Sullivan The Lady Saphir Patience Gilbert and Sullivan Tessa The Gondoliers Gilbert and Sullivan See also EditCategory of mezzo sopranos Fach the German system for classifying voices Voice classification in non classical music List of mezzo sopranos in non classical musicReferences Edit a b c d e f Appelman D Ralph 1986 The Science of Vocal Pedagogy Theory and Application Indiana University Press ISBN 978 0 253 20378 6 a b Boldrey Richard Robert Caldwell Werner Singer Joan Wall Roger Pines 1992 Singer s Edition Soubrette Operatic Arias Soubrette Caldwell Publishing ISBN 978 1 877761 03 4 a b c d Boldrey Richard 1994 Guide to Operatic Roles and Arias Caldwell Publishing ISBN 978 1 877761 64 5 Stark James 2003 Bel Canto A History of Vocal Pedagogy University of Toronto Press ISBN 978 0 8020 8614 3 Further reading EditPeckham Anne 2005 Vocal Workouts for the Contemporary Singer Berklee Press ISBN 978 0 87639 047 4 Smith Brenda 2005 Choral Pedagogy Plural Publishing ISBN 978 1 59756 043 6 External links Edit Media related to Mezzo sopranos at Wikimedia Commons The dictionary definition of Mezzo soprano at Wiktionary Mezzo soprano voices with video examples Portal Opera Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Mezzo soprano amp oldid 1128537854, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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