bariton

Baritone (bariton in German and other languages) is a male singing voice whose range lies between the bass and the tenor. In classical music and opera, baritones form a central vocal type and appear in a wide variety of roles and ensembles. The term is used in choral singing as well as solo repertoire, and it has parallels in instrumental naming in some languages.

Range and timbre: A typical baritone's usable range extends approximately from A2 to A4, with some singers reaching F2 on the low end and F4 or higher on the high end. The tessitura generally sits in the lower to middle part of the staff. Subtypes include lyric baritone, which has a lighter, more agile quality suitable for expressive arias; and dramatic (or noble) baritone, which has a heavier, darker timbre for more powerful dramatic writing. A related term, baritenor, is used for singers who sing baritone repertoire but have the upper range and timbre closer to tenor.

Repertoire and performance: Baritones perform across opera, oratorio, and song. They often portray authoritative or morally complex figures such as fathers, nobles, or villains. The baritone voice is valued for its warmth, vocal carry, and capacity for both lyric expression and dramatic weight. In concert settings, baritone soloists appear in works such as mass settings and oratorios, as well as modern vocal music.

Etymology and usage: The term derives from Italian baritono; in German and some other languages "Bariton" is common; in many languages the term designates the same voice category. In addition to the vocal sense, the word can refer to related brass and woodwind terms in some contexts, which is why ambiguity can arise in non-musical discussions.