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mezzo-soprano

/ˈmɛtsoʊ səˈprænoʊ/
IPA guide

In classical music, a mezzo-soprano is the second-highest singing voice. While they don't sing the very highest notes, mezzo-sopranos reach higher registers than contraltos.

In Italian, mezzo means "middle," and soprano, "the treble in music," is from a root meaning "above." Mezzo-sopranos are right in the middle, between soprano and contralto voices. Classical music lovers describe mezzo-sopranos as sounding darker and richer than the brighter, higher tone of a soprano. If you want be an opera or choral singer but you can't quite reach those high notes, you may be a mezzo-soprano!

Definitions of mezzo-soprano
  1. noun
    a soprano with a voice between soprano and contralto
    synonyms: mezzo
    see moresee less
    examples:
    Marilyn Horne
    United States operatic mezzo-soprano (born 1934)
    type of:
    soprano
    a female singer
  2. noun
    the female singing voice between contralto and soprano
    synonyms: mezzo
    see moresee less
    type of:
    singing voice
    the musical quality of the voice while singing
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