Type of Singing Voice:
Bass
Definition:
In singing, it is the lowest male voice.
Range:
It ranges from the second E below middle C to F# above
Word Origin:
The word bass is Italian for basso meaning "low."
Types of Bass Singing Voice:
The bass voice has four main types:
- basso profondo - is a rich and low voice.
- basso cantante - also known as the "singing bass," is lighter and more lyrical.
- basso buffo - also known as "comic bass" is used primarily in opera buffa, meaning a humorous or comical opera.
- bass-baritone - a voice that ranges between the baritone and bass voice.
Famous Basses:
Some of the most famous bass singers are: Samuel Ramey (basso cantante), Michael Langdon {basso profondo) and James Morris (bass baritone)
Roles of Basses in Famous Operas:
In Richard Wagner's opera Parsifal, the role of Amfortas is played using the bass-baritone voice. The role of Philip II in Giuseppe Verdi's Don Carlos is played using the basso-cantante voice and in the opera Die Zauberflöte by Mozart, the role of Sarastro is played using the basso profondo voice.
