What voice types are singing tonight?
KWA-lee VOH-chee KAN-tah-noh sta-ZEH-rah.
When studying opera and wanting to identify the voice types in a cast. A question for a knowledgeable companion or when reading a programme.
Quali voci means what voices (what voice types). Cantano is the third-person plural present of cantare. Stasera means tonight. Italian opera uses a precise classification of voice types: soprano, mezzosoprano, contralto, tenore, baritono, basso.
C'è un baritono o un basso nel ruolo del cattivo?
Is there a baritone or a bass in the villain's role?
Low male voices traditionally play antagonists in Italian opera.
Il tenore è un lirico o uno spinto?
Is the tenor a lyric or a spinto?
Sub-categories of tenor voice — spinto is more dramatic.
C'è una mezzosoprano nel cast?
Is there a mezzo-soprano in the cast?
Mezzos often play mothers, witches, or trouser roles.
Verdi was a master of vocal contrast. In Aida, the high conflict between the soprano (Aida) and the mezzo (Amneris) mirrors the dramatic rivalry between the two women. Italian opera composers carefully calibrated voice types to express character and emotion.