Mezzo-soprano facts for kids

A mezzo-soprano is a female singer whose voice is in the middle range. It's a bit lower than a soprano (the highest female voice) but not as low as a contralto (the lowest female voice). Mezzo-sopranos often sing important roles in opera and other musical performances.

What is a Mezzo-Soprano Voice?

The word "mezzo" comes from Italian and means "middle" or "half." So, a mezzo-soprano is literally a "middle soprano." This voice type has a rich, warm sound. It can reach high notes, but it's especially strong and powerful in the middle part of its range.

How Voice Types Are Classified

Singers' voices are usually grouped into types based on their vocal range (how high or low they can sing) and their vocal timbre (the unique quality or color of their voice). For female singers, the main voice types are:

• Soprano: The highest female voice.
• Mezzo-soprano: The middle female voice.
• Contralto: The lowest female voice.

Each voice type has a typical range of notes it can comfortably sing. A mezzo-soprano's range usually sits between the A below middle C and the A two octaves above middle C.

Roles for Mezzo-Sopranos in Opera

Mezzo-sopranos sing many famous and exciting roles in opera. These roles often show off the voice's warmth and dramatic power. Sometimes, mezzo-sopranos play characters who are strong, independent women. Other times, they might play "pants roles," which are male characters sung by a female singer. This was a common practice in opera history.

Some well-known mezzo-soprano roles include:

• Carmen in the opera Carmen by Georges Bizet. Carmen is a fiery and independent character, perfect for a mezzo-soprano's strong voice.
• Cherubino in Le Nozze di Figaro by Mozart. Cherubino is a young, mischievous boy, a classic "pants role."
• Rosina in The Barber of Seville by Gioachino Rossini. Rosina is clever and spirited.

Famous Mezzo-Sopranos

Many talented singers have become famous as mezzo-sopranos. They have performed in opera houses and concert halls around the world.

• Marilyn Horne is an American mezzo-soprano known for her amazing vocal flexibility and powerful voice. She is now retired.
• Dame Janet Baker is a British mezzo-soprano celebrated for her beautiful voice and moving performances. She has also retired from singing.
• Alice Coote is a British mezzo-soprano who performs in major opera houses today.
• Susan Graham is an American mezzo-soprano known for her elegant voice and stage presence.

These singers, and many others, have helped to make the mezzo-soprano voice type popular and admired in the world of classical music.

See also

In Spanish: Mezzosoprano para niños