The "middle" of the male voice.
by Paul J. Pelkonen
We're in the home-stretch of our Brass Tacks survey of the different types of opera singers. Today, we're talking about baritones: the "middle" of the male voice.
And in support of higher voices in duets and larger ensembles:
In 1850, Verdi's Rigoletto elevated the game yet again, making Victor Hugo's hunchbacked jester into a figure of towering dramatic stature. Later operas like Il Trovatore, Simon Boccanegra and Un Ballo in Maschera featured baritone villains that are as memorable as the tenor parts.
The 19th century also saw the evolution of the "bass-baritone." These singers are featured in most of the operas of Wagner. They can either be a baritone who can extend his range downward, or more frequently a high bass with an exceptional lyric range.
The typical range for a baritone is from a low A below "low C" to a G# above middle C. A bass-baritone may be able to extend their range down to a low D, but voices vary.
by Paul J. Pelkonen
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| Verdi's Falstaff is a pinnacle of the baritone repertory. Here, Ambrogio Maestri has a pint. Photo © 2011 Bayerische Staatsoper. |
Although the baritone is one of the most versatile vocal types, composers did not begin creatingimportant works for it until the end of the baroque era. Mozart and Rossini led the innovation, bringing Beaumarchais' Figaro plays to the operatic stage in Le Nozze di Figaro and Il Barbiere di Siviglia.
Baritones are important to operas both as soloists...
Simon Keenlyside as Papageno in Die Zauberflöte.
Footage © 2003 Royal Opera House of Covent Garden
And in support of higher voices in duets and larger ensembles:
Dwayne Croft and Rolando Villazon in a scene from Don Carlo.
Footage © 2007 The Netherlands Opera
In 1850, Verdi's Rigoletto elevated the game yet again, making Victor Hugo's hunchbacked jester into a figure of towering dramatic stature. Later operas like Il Trovatore, Simon Boccanegra and Un Ballo in Maschera featured baritone villains that are as memorable as the tenor parts.
The 19th century also saw the evolution of the "bass-baritone." These singers are featured in most of the operas of Wagner. They can either be a baritone who can extend his range downward, or more frequently a high bass with an exceptional lyric range.
