Mezzo-Soprano - The Half-Soprano

Type of Singing Voice:

Mezzo-Soprano

Definition:

It is the female vocal range between soprano and alto. Mezzo-sopranos have a tone that is darker than sopranos but lighter than altos.

Range:

From A below middle C and the second F or G above middle C.

Word Origin:

Derived from the Italian word mezzo meaning "half".

Famous Mezzo-Sopranos:

Some of the famous mezzo-sopranos of the past are: Pauline Viardot, Gladys Swarthout, Jennie Tourel and Rise Stevens.

Roles of Mezzo-Sopranos in Famous Operas:

The mezzo-soprano voice is used to play the character. of Amneris in the opera Aida by Giuseppe Verdi. Also, the role of Carmen in the opera of the same title (Carmen) written by Georges Bizet and for the character Suzuki in Giacomo Puccini's opera Madame Butterfly.

Sample:

Samples from Jennie Tourel Live at Alice Tully Hall album