Divas and Divos - divine voices of opera

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Soprano is the highest female voice.  This is usually the heroine of the opera and most of the time she is in love with the tenor. A star soprano is often referred to as “Prima Donna”.

Mezzo-soprano is the second highest, or middle female voice. The mezzo voice typically has a darker, warmer tone than the soprano. The mezzo is usually either a bad guy (like a witch) or a boy. When the mezzo plays a boy, she will be dressed in men’s clothes. This is called a “pants role”.

Alto, or contralto, is the lowest female voice. The alto often portrays an old woman, who can either be wise and good or an old witch.

Brava is the Italian word for expressing appreciation to a
​female performer.

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​Counter-tenor is the highest male voice.
Tenor is next and is usually the hero of the opera, generally in love with the soprano.

Baritone is the next lower male voice. The baritone is often a villain but can sometimes be a hero who sacrifices himself for the tenor and/or soprano. In a  comedy, the baritone is usually the one pulling all kinds of pranks. The baritone is often in love with the soprano but usually loses her to the tenor.

Bass is the lowest of the male voices. He very often plays a wise old man or a comic character.

Bravo is the Italian word for expressing appreciation to a
​male performer.




































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