Soprano

Soprano is the highest vocal range used in classical singing. In Western music, sopranos are typically female, though male singers may sing in the soprano range using falsetto or countertenor technique in some repertoires. The term comes from Italian soprano, meaning 'above' or 'upper,' reflecting its position at the top of the vocal spectrum. In choral writing, the soprano part commonly carries the melody and sits highest above alto, tenor, and bass.

Soprano voices are subdivided into several types, with coloratura soprano, lyric soprano, and dramatic (or spinto) soprano among the most common. Coloratura sopranos perform rapid scales and trills and often reach very high notes. Lyric sopranos have a bright, flexible timbre suited to expressive melodies. Dramatic sopranos possess greater weight and power, capable of sustaining intense climactic passages.

Typical ranges are described as roughly from around middle C (C4) to about C6, though some singers reach higher, especially in the coloratura repertoire. The tessitura—the range where the voice sits most comfortably—tends to be high for sopranos, and repertoire is selected to suit the singer’s range.

In opera and concert music, soprano roles are often central, portraying heroine figures or leading melodies. Voice classifications are flexible and vary by teacher and repertoire; singers may cross subtypes with training or over time. The soprano category is a flexible designation that encompasses a variety of timbres and expressive possibilities.