Voice Classification

contralto

a female voice that is lower than an alto

baritone

a male voice category between bass and tenor voices; not always isolated in choral music

opera

a musical drama that is generally sung throughout, combining vocal and instrumental music with dramatic acting, scenery, and costumes

register

a series of tones that are produced by similar vocal fold vibration and placement, resulting in similar tone quality

coloratura

a soprano voice who can sing the florid passages either written into an aria or inserted by the singer to show the singer's dexterity and skill (refers to aria passages themselves)

vocalise

a text-less vocal melody, as in the usual pronunciations of vowels for more favorable resonance throughout the singing range

head register

a vocal adjustment producing light, flute-like tones, conducive to soft and high singing

mezzo-soprano

a woman's voice slightly lower in range and (usually) darker in tone that a soprano

countertenor

an adult male voice or voice part higher than the tenor

soprano

highest female voice

tenor

highest male voice

alto

lowest female voice

cambiata

some composers and choir directors refer to this as the changing young man's voice

range

the distance between the lowest and highest tones of a melody, instrument, or voice. Typically described as narrow, medium, or wide

bass

the lowest male voice

falsetto

vocal technique whereby men can sing above their normal range, producing a lighter, higher sound