Bassbaritone

A bass-baritone is a male singing voice that lies between the bass and the baritone in range and tessitura. In classical opera and choral music, the term describes a voice with a rich lower register and the capacity for some higher, more lyrical passages.

Its typical range runs roughly from A2 to F4 or G4, with a comfortable tessitura in the low to mid range and occasional upper notes approaching C5 in some singers. The exact extent varies by individual, and some roles demand more extension than others.

The timbre is generally darker and heavier than a baritone’s, yet more agile and forward-projecting than a true bass. Technique emphasizes strong support, chest resonance in the lower register, and secure passagework to navigate a wide range.

Common repertoire includes Leporello in Don Giovanni, Scarpia in Tosca, Wotan in Wagner’s Ring, and Alberich in Das Rheingold. The voice also appears in Verdi and Puccini works with villain or noble roles, as well as in oratorio and concert settings.

Prominent bass-baritones include Samuel Ramey, Bryn Terfel, and James Morris. The label is used variably, and some singers are described as baritone or bass depending on the role and repertoire.

In the German Fach system, bass-baritone is a defined subcategory of bass, used to designate dramatic, mid-weight voices suited to both vocal gravitas and vocal agility.