Meaning of soprano A soprano is the highest-pitched female singing voice or the highest male singing voice (alto). The soprano's vocal range typically lies between middle C and "high A" two octaves above middle C.
There are several types of soprano voices based on vocal weight , timbre and agility:
- **Coloratura soprano:** A soprano with a light, agile voice capable of intricate melodic figurations. They often perform music from the Baroque and Bel Canto periods.
- **Lyric soprano:** A soprano with a smooth, warm voice that is suited for long lyrical phrases. They often perform romantic and melodic operas.
- **Dramatic soprano:** A soprano with a big, powerful voice that can easily project over an orchestra. They typically perform dramatic operatic roles.
- **Soubrette soprano:** A light, high soprano with a youthful timbre suited for characters like maids or young girls.
In choir or multiple voice harmony, the soprano typically sings the highest part which often contains the melody.
- A general term that indicates the highest range for an instrument or voice.
- Term used to describe the highest pitched vocal range, usually produced by a female voice, but occasionally produced men's and boys' voices of the soprano range. The range of the soprano is from about middle C to A5 above the treble clef. A professional soprano can typically reach C6 or higher. There are several classifications of the soprano voice that describe the quality from a light to heavy character. They include coloratura, lyric soprano, lirico spinto, and dramatic soprano. See more about voice types and ranges in the Appendix.
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