An opera singer is a singer who performs the libretto, or text, that goes along with the musical score for an opera. An opera is a type of performance that incorporates singing, music, and some acting to tell a story, and the opera singer is in charge of both acting and singing. To become a singer for an opera, a significant amount of training is required, and only the best singers rise to prominence in this arts industry. Opera singers can be male or female vocalists, and it is possible for a child to sing opera, though this is uncommon.
Opera singers’ voice styles are frequently classified, and the categories differ by gender. Female opera singer voices are classified as contralto, mezzo-soprano, and soprano, for example. Bass, baritone, tenor, and countertenor are the most common male vocal ranges. The range in which the singer can sing distinguishes the categories. The singer’s classification is determined by the specific musical notes on a scale that he or she can confidently sing. A male can sing in a female category in some cases, but he is usually still classified as a countertenor; these singers are sometimes referred to as singing castrato.
Opera has been around since at least the 16th century, and it has evolved over time. Traditional operatic themes and performances may or may not be followed in modern operas. Of course, opera singers have been a part of the musical form since its inception, and the types of opera singers may have only grown more diverse over time. Some singers can sing in multiple ranges, making them a versatile option for a variety of performances.
The opera singer must be able to perform in front of large audiences and in a variety of acoustic environments. It is advantageous if the opera singer can communicate in more than one language, though this is not a requirement. Operas are written in a variety of languages, and while the singer is not required to understand what he or she is singing, he or she must learn how to pronounce each word correctly before singing it. Multilingual singers are common, and their ability to communicate in multiple languages makes them more appealing to directors and vocal coaches. The singer must be able to read the libretto, or song lyrics, which are frequently written in a foreign language.