Vocal Classifications

Basses may be cast as an older man, authority figure, king, priest, or as a villain. A Lyric Bass has a range of F 3 to F 5 and has a lyrical voice able to move but with real depth to tone (Aria-Database). A Basso Contanto has a higher range and sings with more flexibility. A Basso Buffo (aka a Spiel Bar or a Bar Buffo) is an agile, smaller, flexible, expressive bass, adaptable to comic roles in opera. He is an excellent actor. A Heavy Bass (aka a Schwerer Spiel Bass) has a range from E 3 to E 5 and has a low, dark, deep, large voice (Aria-Database). He has an extended range, imposing physical appearance, and good comic acting abilities. A Basso Cantabile (aka Serioserbar and a Schwarzerbar) has good low voice that is full and dark in color (Musical Notes). A Basso Profundo (aka a Contra- Basso) is the lowest male voice that emphasizes the low, rich tessitura (VT Music). Basso Profundos are often used for Russian singers with especially strong low notes.
The least commonly used male voice is the Castrato.…