Mezzosoprano

Mezzo-soprano is a female singing voice that lies between the soprano and contralto ranges. The timbre is typically warm and rich, with a weightier lower register than a lyric soprano. The standard range is commonly cited as approximately A3 to A5, though some singers may extend down to G3 or up to C6 or D6 in certain passages. The tessitura generally sits in the lower to middle part of the staff, and singers are often valued for both vocal weight and lyrical agility.

Repertoire for mezzo-sopranos spans lyric, spinto, and dramatic styles. The voice is prized for a darker, more expansive color than many sopranos, allowing for both warmth and power. Many mezzo roles are written as trouser parts, portraying young male characters, as well as mature, maternal, or villainous figures. Mezzo-soprano parts frequently inhabit both the middle and lower portions of the vocal range, with opportunities for expressive nuance across operatic eras.

Common opera roles include Carmen in Bizet's Carmen; Amneris in Verdi's Aida; Eboli in Don Carlo; Azucena in Il Trovatore; Rosina in The Barber of Seville; Dorabella in Così fan tutte; and Maddalena in Rigoletto. In addition to opera, mezzos perform extensively in oratorios and concert repertoire, as well as in contemporary works and recital programs.

Notable mezzo-soprano artists include Marilyn Horne, Grace Bumbry, Susan Graham, and Elina Garanca, whose careers have helped define the voice type in modern performance. The mezzo-soprano voice remains a versatile and enduring category in classical music.