Vocalizzo

Vocalizzo is an Italian term for a short vocal exercise used in singing pedagogy to train voice production, breath support, and vocal agility. The word derives from voce (voice) and the diminutive suffix -izzo, reflecting its function as a small, practice-focused vocal exercise. In practice, a vocalizzo is typically vowel-based or syllable-based and is performed on one or several vowels, often with a simple melodic or rhythmic pattern.

Purpose and scope: It warms the voice, steadies phonation, and develops control over timbre, resonance, and vowel formation. It may target specific goals such as legato singing, intervallic flexibility, or coloratura technique, and is commonly used in early training to establish a consistent tone across registers.

Common formats: Patterns include scales, arpeggios, or short melodic fragments sung on vowels or syllables (for example, a-e-i-o-u or la-la). Exercises may vary in tempo, dynamics, articulation (legato, staccato), and breathing instructions. In many traditions, vocalizzi are repeated or sequenced to build stamina and coordination.

Context and usage: Vocalizzi are a staple of classical vocal pedagogy but are also used in modern voice training and choral practice. They may be assigned as warmups or as regular practice to maintain vocal health and technique between repertoire work. While some composers wrote vocalise-like pieces with text-free melodies, the term vocalizzo generally refers to practice exercises rather than composed songs.

See also: vocalise; vocal pedagogy; warm-up exercises.