Baritone is ... Kinds and features of a baritone

Baritone is the male voice of the voice, which occupies the middle position between bass and tenor. The range is from a large octave (a) to the first octave (a). Baritone is divided into four types, each of which has its own characteristic features. They are discussed in more detail in the article.

If we talk about a pure baritone, then this timbre of voice is the rarest among the other male voices. But if you take into account mixed types, then it is the most common.

Differences baritonists consist in the fact that they have a velvet bottom without harsh tones, as well as soft and gentle, but without subtlety of timbre.

As in any other, in this voice timbre there are notes that are transitional. Often they are heard from non-professional performers. Most of the trained singers quietly omit them. But at the very beginning of the disciples they seem to be an absolute evil, which it is impossible to conquer. With practice comes and skill.

Lyrical baritone

A lyric baritone is a voice that is located between a tenor and a baritone. It is necessary to make every effort to distinguish this species from a higher timbre, because the difference between them is not noticeable. Often experts call such a voice transitional. In an unprofessional conversation, you can hear another name for this timbre - a tenor baritone. The voice has an easy perception. The parts that are written for this range have the highest level of tessitura.

Comparing with other types, we can say that this particular voice is the highest. At the present time, the representative of the lyric baritone is called the Swiss singer Peter Mattei. In his speeches, it may seem that a man sings, going far beyond the working range, reaching the notes mi.

Everyone who has a lyric baritone is able to perform a large number of differently sounding parts. In the opera, the brightest representatives of this voice are such characters as Valentine from Faust, Don Juan from the same name, Figaro from the Barber of Seville and others.

Lyric-dramatic baritone

This baritone is the most vivid timbre from the whole family. It sounds good enough and is perceived by listeners. It is worth noting that a singer with such a range of voice can freely perform parts for both lyric and dramatic baritone. And the performer has lower notes that sound better than those whose voice belongs to the type described above. In some parties it is allowed to use falsetto.

Often in the opera, this baritone can be heard from the singer who performs Onegin from Eugene Onegin, Robert from Iolanthe, Germont from Traviad and others. Speaking about specific performers, it is worth mentioning Alexander Voroshilo, Dietrich Fischer Diskau, Mattia Battistini, as well as Yuri Mazurka.

Dramatic baritone

A dramatic baritone is a voice that has a stronger and darker sound. He is also characterized by cracking and harsh tones. It has a special power and strength. As a rule, the tessitura is low in batches, but the singers can fully rise to a high range. This happens at the climax.

In the opera, such singers play the role of evil and cunning characters. And also heroes who could save humanity and the whole world from destruction. By the way, the singer with a different kind of baritone (described below) will also be suitable for these roles. Bright characters with such a range are Figaro from "The Wedding of Figaro", Ruslana from "Ruslan and Lyudmila", Igor from "Prince Igor" and others.

Who from the famous performers has a dramatic baritone? These include Sergei Leiferkus and Titta Ruffo. Their voices sound so bright and cunning that it is impossible to resist applause.

Bass Baritone

Such a voice has a mixed type. He has features of both bass and baritone. As a rule, for performers with such a timbre of voice, the top and bottom sound quite freely, but there are no profound notes. By the way, singers who have such a voice (baritone), quietly perform the majority of parties of both types. Their performance is rich, powerful and powerful.

Among the family, this type is considered the lowest, so it is often confused with a clean bass. But there are differences, and they are noticeable.

If you choose among performers, then you should mention Chaliapin ("Mephistopheles' Cups") and George London (Igor's Aria). Their voices are forced to applaud standing.