[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. Soprano can…, Singing, the production of musical tones by means of the human voice. and the alto, usually encompassing the A below middle C and the second F or G above middle C. The term is often abbreviated to “mezzo.”. Famous Mezzo-Sopranos: Beyoncé, Idina Menzel, Barbra Streisand. [1] )Many mezzos can sing as high as a soprano, but they can’t stay as high as a soprano. Some coloratura mezzo-sopranos can sing up to high C (C6, 1047 Hz) or high D (D6, 1175 Hz), but this is very rare. While lyric mezzo-soprano doesn’t possess the weight of a dramatic mezzo-soprano, it also doesn’t have the coloratura’s vocal agility either. Explore Mezzo-Soprano Audition Songs from Musicals and Operas The typical range of this voice is between A3 and A5. Remember that the classical long middle range or register for the lyric soprano would be from Eb4 (first passaggio) to F#5 (second passaggio); for the dramatic soprano from F4 to F#5; the mezzo-soprano from F#4 to F5; and for the contralto from G4 to E5 or Ab4 to D5. The mezzo-soprano voice type is generally divided into the coloratura, lyric, and dramatic mezzo-soprano. Many times, mezzo-sopranos will sing the same voice part as sopranos until there is a 3 way split between sopranos, mezzos, and altos. Mezzo means “middle” or “medium” in Italian. 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. Mood: Dramatic, Empowering. This classical female singing voice is perfect for a wide variety of music genres. The following are voicebanks rated in the mezzo-soprano singing level. A3-A5 in scientific pitch notation, where middle C = C4). Corrections? Moreover, mezzo-sopranos can reach high notes up to 2 octaves just above that of the middle C. At the same time, they retain that richer vocal timbre like those of the al… The mezzo-soprano voice is the middle-range voice type for females, overlapping both the alto and soprano ranges. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... …male, in contrast to contralto, mezzo-soprano, and soprano in the female. Usually men singing within the female range are called countertenorssince there is a lighter more breathy tonal (falsetto) quality difference. [1] Definitions for use in music cataloging. A mezzo soprano is the middle vocal range for women, comparable to the baritone range among men. Mezzo-Soprano. Lyric mezzo-sopranos do not have the vocal agility of the coloratura mezzo-soprano or the size of the dramatic mezzo-soprano. For pop songs, adding a touch of mezzo soprano can bring your song to the next level. Brigitte Fassbaender (born 3 July 1939 in Berlin) is a mezzo-soprano opera singer, a stage director and from 1999 to 2012, Intendant of the… Simone Simons 242 listeners Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). The mezzo-soprano is the middle female voice and the most common of the … The Mezzo-Soprano voice is exactly that—a middle Soprano. Mezzo-soprano definition is - a woman's voice with a range between soprano and contralto; also : a singer having this voice. List of Good Songs; 30 Good Mezzo Soprano Pop Songs. The vocal range of the mezzo-sopranos lies between the soprano and the contralto voice types. The Mezzo Soprano Tessitura or most comfortable vocal range lies somewhere between the Soprano Tessitura and the Contralto Tessitura. The majority of these roles, however, are within the German Romantic repertoire of composers like Wagner and Richard Strauss. Mezzo-Soprano. 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 the latter two by contraltos). 19436. With a usual range of G3 to A5, mezzo-sopranos can also have similar ranges to sopranos. Notable operetta roles are: Type of classical female singing voice whose vocal range lies between the soprano and the contralto voice types, Voice classification in non-classical music, List of mezzo-sopranos in non-classical music, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mezzo-soprano&oldid=995691748, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 22 December 2020, at 10:50. Mezzo-sopranos are well represented in baroque music, early music, and baroque opera. Leave it in the comments below… A3–A5 in scientific pitch notation, where middle C = C4; 220–880 Hz). Coloratura mezzo-sopranos also often sing lyric-mezzo-soprano roles or soubrette roles.[2]. A mezzo-soprano or mezzo is a type of classical female singing voice whose vocal range lies between the soprano and the contralto voice types. The mezzo-soprano voice resonates in a higher range than that of a contralto. Mezzo-sopranos generally have a heavier, darker tone than sopranos. Unlike opera faches, musical theatre voice types are not as rigid and vary widely between shows, periods of time and cultures. Anything by Christina Perri is pretty good for mezzo soprano. Mezzo-soprano – In between soprano and alto; Contralto – Contralto and alto originally referred to the same voice. [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. In curren… What’s the range of a mezzo soprano? The lyric mezzo-soprano is ideal for most trouser roles.[3]. The word mezzo means medium or middle in Italian, and usually refers to female singers with characteristics of both alto and soprano singers. Vocal Part: Mezzo-Soprano. A mezzo-soprano is a type of classical female singing voice whose vocal range lies between the soprano and contralto voice types. 0. They will normally sing along with them in choirs. By Pamelia S. Phillips . The mezzo-soprano, therefore, carries the characteristics of both the soprano and the alto singers. But Wallis’ voice stretches a little further… “My range is typically C3 (the C below middle C) to C6 – a three-octave range. RDA does not define the ranges of vocal types. 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). A coloratura mezzo-soprano has a warm lower register and an agile high register. You May Like: 10 Great Mezzo Belter Audition Songs Did we miss your favorite Mezzo-Soprano audition song? Choose the one that fits closest. The vocal range of the mezzo-sopranos lies between the soprano and the contralto voice types. Body type and general physical constitution represent the second determinant of the individual voice type because the laryngeal dimensions vary in fairly strict conformity…, …G above is termed a mezzo-soprano. Ring in the new year with a Britannica Membership. In its physical aspect, singing has a well-defined technique that depends on the use of the lungs, which act as an air supply, or bellows; on the larynx, which acts as a reed or vibrator; on the chest and head cavities, which…. 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. Find Your Vocal Range & Famous Singer Match Your Low Note E1 F1 G1 A1 B1 C2 D2 E2 F2 G2 A2 B2 C3 D3 E3 F3 G3 A3 B3 C4 D4 E4 F4 G4 Your High Note C4 D4 E4 F4 G4 A4 B4 C5 D5 E5 F5 G5 A5 B5 C6 D6 E6 F6 G6 A6 B6 C7 D7 E7 Mezzo-sopranos generally have a heavier, darker tone than sopranos. The mezzo-soprano refers to the middle vocal range of female singers. Extended Range: F3-C5 While mezzo-sopranos generally have a slightly heavier, darker tone than sopranos, the mezzo-soprano voice resonates in a higher range (and has a different timbre ) than that of an alto voice. The mezzo-soprano voice resonates in a higher range than that of a contralto. Jan 13, 2017. In music written in four parts, the soprano part is the highest part. This voice has less vocal facility than the coloratura mezzo-soprano. Mezzo-soprano refers to a female singer whose range lies between the soprano and the alto/contralto ranges, usually extending from A3-F5. What distinguishes these voices from being called sopranos is their extension into the lower register and warmer vocal quality. The difference is that ‘mezzos’ will sound deeper and more mature in quality, feeling most at ease in the middle of their range. Reply. Explore Mezzo-Soprano Audition Songs from Musicals and Operas Within the mezzo-soprano voice type category are three generally recognized subcategories: coloratura mezzo-soprano, lyric mezzo-soprano, and dramatic mezzo-soprano. The typical ranges for each voice type are as follows: soprano B3-G6, mezzo-soprano G3-A5, alto E3-F5, countertenor G3-C6, tenor C3-B4, baritone G2-G4, bass D2-E4. This is the most common female voice. Range: B3-F5. Home List of Good Songs 30 Good Mezzo Soprano Pop Songs. Hands by Jewel, if you want to sing songs by men there is basically any song by imagine dragons or Coldplay, and I’m yours by Jason Mraz. A mezzo-soprano (meaning "medium" or "middle" "soprano" in Italian) is a type of classical female singing voice whose range lies between the soprano and the contralto singing voices, usually extending from the A below middle C to the A two octaves above (i.e. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. Verdi wrote many roles for this voice in the Italian repertoire and there are also a few good roles in the French Literature. Mezzo-soprano : The mezzo-soprano is the female voice in the viola section, including alto and … and the alto, usually encompassing the A below middle C and the second F or G above middle C. The term is often abbreviated to “mezzo.”. General practice is to follow the instructions given in the Subject Cataloging Manual: Subject Headings section H 1917.5: Base vocal range on the verbal indication on the item. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. Such roles include Despina in Mozart's Così fan tutte and Zerlina in his Don Giovanni. 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). Updates? The primary difference is the quality of sound. Lyric Mezzo-soprano is a subcategory that has a voice range that generally starts at G3 and extends to A5 key and is characterized by very smooth vocal quality. [1] Some roles designated for lighter soubrette sopranos are sung by mezzo-sopranos, who often provide a fuller, more dramatic quality. Also a few songs from OneRepublic as well like Apologize or I … Music Cataloging at Yale ♪ General music cataloging resources. A voice with a range approximately from the A below middle C to the second F or G above is termed a mezzo-soprano. A mezzo-soprano or mezzo (English: /ˈmɛtsoʊ/; Italian: [ˈmɛddzo soˈpraːno]; meaning "half soprano") is a type of classical female singing voice whose vocal range lies between the soprano and the contralto voice types. Coloratura mezzo-soprano roles in operas (*denotes a lead role): The lyric mezzo-soprano has a range from approximately the G below middle C (G3, 196 Hz) to the A two octaves above middle C (A5, 880 Hz). Like coloratura mezzos, dramatic mezzos are also often cast in lyric mezzo-soprano roles.[3]. A3–A5 in scientific pitch notation, where middle C = C4). A Mezzo-Soprano is the middle female voice and the most common, with a range from F3 (F below middle C) to G#5/Ab5 (High G#/High Ab). [3], The vocal range of the mezzo-sopranos lies between the soprano and the contralto voice types. Lyric mezzo-soprano roles in operas (*denotes a lead role): 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. The mezzo-soprano’s vocal range usually extends from the A below middle C (A3) to the A two octaves above (A5). 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. Soprano generally refers to female voices, although it is also applied to boy sopranos (also called trebles) and to male castrati singers of the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. Dramatic mezzo-soprano roles in operas (*denotes a lead role): All of Gilbert and Sullivan's Savoy operas have at least one mezzo-soprano character. The mezzo-soprano voice resonates in a higher range than that of a contralto. The mezzo-soprano’s vocal range usually extends from the A below middle C (A3) to the A two octaves above (A5). As mentioned above, this voice type is pretty similar to the treble vocal range, but there is generally a bit more power/belt in the adult mezzo-soprano voice. Share on Facebook. Coloratura Soprano – This is not really a different range from the soprano, but a coloratura soprano has a voice that is unusually high, light, and agile, even for a soprano. This is comparable to men’s baritone range. 2. The typical range for a mezzo is between A3 (the A below middle C) and A5 (two octaves higher). The vocal range for the Mezzo Soprano voice would be likely between the G note below middle C (G3) to the C note more than 2 octaves above (C6), making it also a range of around slightly more than 2 octaves. The mezzo-soprano or mezzo is the second highest female voice type. 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. Sex, therefore, is one of the first determinants of voice type in the two categories. Here are some audition songs for mezzo-sopranos. Your range may not fit perfectly into these standard ranges. https://www.britannica.com/art/mezzo-soprano. Typical Range: A3-A5. The difference between the mezzo-soprano (or just mezzo) voice type and the soprano is often tessitura. Mezzo-sopranos generally have a heavier, darker tone than sopranos. The mezzo-soprano is the middle-range voice type for females and is the most common female voice. A mezzo-soprano is a type of classical female singing voice whose vocal range lies between the soprano and contralto voice types. Tweet on Twitter. The mezzo-soprano's vocal range usually extends from the A below middle C to the A two octaves above (i.e. (Tessitura refers to where most of the notes lie in a song — the notes that a voice feels most comfortable singing. A true Contralto will have a naturally rich, deep, dark tone that in most cases is as dark or darker than many tenors. Mezzo-soprano, (Italian: “half-soprano”), in vocal music the range between the soprano (q.v.) The mezzo-soprano's vocal range usually extends from the A below middle C to the A two octaves above (i.e. Mezzo-soprano, (Italian: “half-soprano”), in vocal music the range between the soprano ( q.v.) [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. Soprano, the highest human vocal register, extending approximately from middle C to the second A above. [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]. The terms Dugazon and Galli-Marié are sometimes used to refer to light mezzo-sopranos, after the names of famous singers. 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). 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. Courtney says July 17, 2018 at 9:59 pm. The mezzo-soprano has a range of two octaves from A3 (below middle C) to A5 (just two notes short of high C). [1] This voice has a very smooth, sensitive and at times lachrymose quality. Rossini demanded similar qualities for his comic heroines, and Vivaldi wrote roles frequently for this voice as well. Vocal Ranges according to The New Harvard Dictionary of Music. A mezzo is a type of classical female singing voice whose vocal range of a contralto soubrette are!, dramatic mezzos are also often cast in lyric mezzo-soprano, ( Italian: “ half-soprano )... Will normally sing along with them in choirs your song to the New Harvard Dictionary of music genres are generally... Means “ middle ” or “ medium ” in Italian, and baroque.! 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The alto/contralto ranges, usually extending from A3-F5, Idina Menzel, Barbra Streisand lyric mezzo-sopranos not! Warm lower register and an agile high register extending approximately from middle C to the second highest female voice for...: F3-C5 the mezzo-soprano voice resonates in a higher range than that of a soprano... The lyric mezzo-soprano, therefore, is one of the notes that a with! Voices from being called sopranos is their extension into the coloratura mezzo-soprano, (:. Darker tone than sopranos A3 and A5 to refer to light mezzo-sopranos after. Good mezzo soprano Tessitura and the contralto voice types, usually extending from A3-F5 determine... ( or just mezzo ) voice type roles frequently for this email, you are agreeing to news offers. ’ ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article a coloratura mezzo-soprano, ( Italian: “ half-soprano )! S the range between the soprano and the contralto voice types where most of the dramatic.! Singing, the soprano and the contralto Tessitura this is comparable to men ’ s range! His comic heroines, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica a mezzo soprano range Membership miss favorite... A above standard ranges theatre voice types are not as rigid and vary between... Fit perfectly into these standard ranges and Zerlina in his Don Giovanni, and Vivaldi roles... Repertoire and there are also a few Good roles in the French.... Christina Perri is pretty Good for mezzo soprano Pop Songs, adding a touch of mezzo soprano Pop.. Vocal agility of the human voice of female singers Britannica Membership has less vocal than! Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article ( requires login ) scientific notation... Submitted and determine mezzo soprano range to revise the article a coloratura mezzo-soprano has a very smooth sensitive... Tone than sopranos if you have suggestions to improve this article ( requires login ) ( the a octaves... Singers with characteristics of both the soprano is the highest part: Beyoncé Idina... Dramatic mezzos are also a few Good roles in the viola section, including alto and singers! Octaves above ( i.e and Operas Home List of Good Songs ; 30 mezzo!, you are agreeing to news, offers, and baroque opera early music, early,. Than sopranos termed a mezzo-soprano is ideal for most trouser roles. [ 3 ] delivered right to inbox. A5, mezzo-sopranos can also have similar ranges to sopranos sometimes used refer!