Soprano

What it means

The soprano is the highest human vocal range, sung by women and boys. Its range extends roughly from middle C up to the C two octaves above middle C and beyond; particularly light voices reach considerably higher notes.

In a four-part mixed choir the soprano forms the top part and often carries the melody.

Musical use

In opera and concert, different Fächer, or voice types, are distinguished: the coloratura soprano with a very agile, high voice, the lyric soprano with a warm, slender sound, and the dramatic soprano with greater volume. This classification is a guide, not a fixed boundary, and many voices move between the types.

Historically the soprano part was also sung by boys and, especially in the Baroque era, by castrati, before women appeared as a matter of course in church and opera.

The soprano should be distinguished from the mezzo-soprano, which lies lower and darker, and from the alto, the lowest female voice.

Performance practice

As a soprano, pay particular attention to clean intonation in the high range and a relaxed larynx, so the high notes don’t sound pressed. Warm up in the middle range before singing and extend the range gradually.