Mezzo-soprano

Desk in a chorus

The word mezzo-soprano is sometimes used in a chorus (or a Chorale), when the Pupitre of the violas is divided: the most serious voices are then called “second violas” or simply, “violas”; voices more acute, “first violas” or “mezzo-sopranos”. By extension, the term also indicates the singers of this desk, and this, whatever their true vocal typology.

Vocal typology

With regard to the voice of Soloist S, a mezzo-soprano is the type of feminine voice whose Tessiture is fairly serious. The term can also indicate a voice of boy.

There exist several categories of mezzo-sopranos who differ by the character from the characters that they interpret, power of the voice and richness of the stamp, the constant one remaining the tessiture, which generally extends from to.

Light mezzo-soprano

The light mezzo-soprano , or dugazon (of the name of Mrs Dugazon, interpreter of the end of the 18th century celebrates), is a clear and nimble voice, having nevertheless the roundness of the stamp which characterizes the category of the mezzo-soprano.

For example, the role of Chérubin in the Marriages of Figaro of Mozart, is a role of light mezzo-soprano. Frederica von Stage and Anne-Sofie von Otter is examples of light mezzo-soprano.

Mezzo-soprano itself

There does not exist particular term to designate the central mezzo-soprano (the name of “lyric mezzo-soprano” being used little). This vocal type is a intermédaire between the preceding category and the following one. It is about a fairly powerful voice equipped with hot colors in the bottom of the register.

For example, the role of Dorabella in Così fan tutte of Mozart, is a role of mezzo-soprano “itself”. Teresa Berganza and Cecilia Bartoli is examples of mezzo-soprano pertaining to this subcategory.

Dramatic mezzo-soprano

The dramatic mezzo-soprano , or galli-groom (of the name of another famous professional singer of the end of the 19th century, Célestine Galli-Groom), is the most powerful subcategory of the mezzo-sopranos, characterized by a hot and enveloping stamp, approaching the dramatic contralto.

For example, the title role of Carmen of Bizet, is a role of dramatic mezzo-soprano. Grace Bumbry, Janet Baker and Christa Ludwig is examples of dramatic mezzo-soprano.

Mezzo-soprano will coloratura

The mezzo-soprano will coloratura strictly speaking does not indicate a specific vocal category, but a mezzo-soprano with the particularly nimble voice, which specialized in the repertory of the decorated Chant and of the Coloratura S.

For example, the role of Rosine in the Barber of Seville of Rossini, is in the beginning, a role of mezzo-soprano will coloratura. Marilyn Horne, Teresa Berganza and Cecilia Bartoli is examples of mezzo-soprano will coloratura.

Mezzo-soprano famous

See the list of the mezzo-sopranos.

Simple: Mezzo-soprano

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