An investigation into the career trajectories of a select group of spinto, dramatic and Wagnerian sopranos

Abstract

This study is an investigation into the career trajectories of a select group of spinto, dramatic and Wagnerian sopranos. Classically trained voices are classified into broad categories, namely soprano, mezzo-soprano, tenor, baritone and bass. A second-tier classification exists, according to which mainly opera singers are classified, taking into consideration vocal range, weight and colour. The soprano fächer that emerge when cross-examining literature pertaining to fach include soubrette, lyric coloratura soprano, lyric soprano, spinto soprano, dramatic coloratura soprano, dramatic soprano, and Wagnerian soprano. In the same way, operatic roles are also categorised into fächer. Fach manuals are available which clearly list operatic roles and the fach allocation of each. These manuals enable singers to find roles suited to their own fach assignments. Singing roles not suited to one’s voice can potentially cause vocal damage. Many young singers with inherent dramatic vocal characteristics struggle with the selection of repertoire for their current vocal developmental stages. It was this observation that led to the decision to investigate the career trajectories of internationally renowned sopranos. The intention was to determine whether they started their careers singing lighter repertoire, or if they sang the heavy repertoire which they are renowned for from the onset of their singing careers. It was found that the overwhelming majority of these sopranos began their careers singing lighter repertoire before progressing to heavier roles. Furthermore, they did not sing exclusively in one fach, but rather sang across fächer throughout their careers.