Bass-baritone facts for kids
A bass-baritone is a male singer with a voice that is deeper than a regular baritone, but not as deep as a true bass. Think of it as a voice that can sing both strong, lower baritone parts and some higher bass parts.
Singers started being called "bass-baritones" in the 19th century. This was especially true when the famous composer Richard Wagner wrote his operas. He needed singers who had a powerful, heroic voice that could handle both high and low notes.
Wagner called these special voices Hoher Bass, which means "high bass." Some of his famous characters for bass-baritones include:
- The Dutchman in Der fliegende Holländer
- Wotan/Der Wanderer in the Ring Cycle
- Hans Sachs in Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg
Some bass-baritones often sing roles meant for baritones. Others prefer to sing roles written for basses.
Famous Bass-Baritones
Many talented singers are known as bass-baritones. They have performed in operas and concerts around the world. Some famous examples include:
- Hans Hotter
- José van Dam
- Thomas Quasthoff
- Friedrich Schnorr
- John Shirley-Quirk
- Bryn Terfel
- Willard White
These singers show the amazing range and power of the bass-baritone voice.
Related Voice Types
- Soprano (highest female voice)
- Mezzo-soprano (middle female voice)
- Alto (lowest female voice)
- Tenor (highest male voice)
- Baritone (middle male voice)
- Bass (singer) (lowest male voice)
