Bass-baritone
A low bass with a baritone colouring.
What it means
The bass-baritone stands between the two ranges its name gives: it commands the depth of a bass and at the same time the agility and the carrying high range of a baritone. Its range thus reaches further than that of either neighbouring type, without its having to attain, in the extreme low range, the fullness of a heavy bass. The classification follows colour and resilience; it is no mere addition of ranges but describes a voice character of its own.
Musical use
In opera numerous great parts are written for this type, especially in the repertoire of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, where roles are demanded that join dramatic height and dark depth. In oratorio and the concert field too the bass-baritone is sought after, because many arias call for a middle range with occasional excursions up and down. In song it covers a large part of the repertoire. The boundary to the baritone as to the bass is fluid, and singers not seldom change their classification in the course of their career.
Performance practice
Work at evenness across the whole range: the danger of this type lies in the voice falling apart into a dark lower and a brighter upper part. Practise the transition area in calm legato lines and without increasing loudness. Keep the low range free of pressure, so that the high range does not suffer, and space out the forces in large parts. Have your classification advised by experienced teachers and do not decide by individual notes. Watch especially for phases of recovery, since the repertoire of this type is often heavy.
Remember that the tessitura of a part matters more than its range: a role that stays over long stretches in the upper middle range is more taxing than one with a few low or high peak notes. Check this before accepting. Work at clarity of text, because this range is easily covered in the orchestral sound. In song the choice of the fitting key is worthwhile, since many collections exist in several ranges. Plan phases of recovery and have the classification checked regularly.