Chapter 9 Part 1/5

Words for singing voices and singers

basso

lowest male voice; bass

baritone

male voice between bass and tenor

tenor

adult male voice between baritone and alto

alto

highest male voice; countertenor

falsetto

artificially high voice

contralto

lowest female voice

mezzo soprano

female voice between contralto and soprano

soprano

highest voice in women and boys

coloratura

vocal music ornamented with runs and trills

grave

slow (the slowest tempo in music)

largo

slow and dignified

adagio

slow; in an easy, graceful manner

lento

slow

andante

moderately slow but flowing

moderato

in moderate time

allegro

brisk, quick, lively

vivace

brisk; spirited

presto

quick

prestissimo

at a very rapid pace