voice type classification

theoryvois typefrom English

The system of categorising singing voices by range, weight, colour, and tessitura‌​‌​‌​‍​‍​‌​‌​‌​‌​‍​‌​‍​‍​‌​‍​‌​‌​‌​‌​‍​‌​‍​‍​‍​‌​‍​‍​‌​‌​‍​‍​‍

In Depth

Voice classification assigns singers to categories that match their natural abilities with appropriate repertoire.‌​‌​‌​‍​‍​‌​‌​‌​‌​‍​‌​‍​‍​‌​‍​‌​‌​‌​‌​‍​‌​‍​‍​‍​‌​‍​‍​‌​‌​‍​‍​‍ The basic types are soprano, mezzo-soprano, contralto, tenor, baritone, and bass. Each further divides into sub-categories: lyric, dramatic, spinto, coloratura. The Fach system used in German opera houses provides the most detailed classification, with over 25 distinct voice types. Correct classification is crucial — singing in the wrong Fach causes vocal strain and career-ending damage.
Did you know?

Many singers are misclassified early in their careers — Plácido Domingo originally trained as a baritone before discovering he was actually a tenor.

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