Definition

Noun A coloratura soprano is a type of operatic singing voice. Specifically, it refers to a lyric soprano who specializes in coloratura vocal music. This means she possesses a high, agile, and light voice capable of executing elaborate ornamentation, rapid scales, and trills with great technical skill and flexibility.

Usage

The term is used to classify a singer's voice type within classical music, particularly opera and oratorio. It describes both the vocal category and the singer herself. - The role of the Queen of the Night in Mozart's "The Magic Flute" is famously sung by a coloratura soprano. - She trained for years to become a coloratura soprano.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used attributively (like an adjective) to describe roles, arias, or passages written for this voice type.
  • She performed a dazzling coloratura soprano aria.
• The word coloratura itself, often used as a noun, refers to the elaborate ornamentation and virtuosic singing style.

Variants and Related Words

• Coloratura (noun): The elaborate ornamentation of a vocal melody, or a soprano specializing in such music.
  • The aria is full of difficult coloratura.
• Soprano (noun): The highest singing voice of a woman or child.
• Lyric soprano (noun): A soprano voice with a warm, melodious quality, suitable for lyrical rather than dramatic roles. A coloratura soprano is a specialized subtype of lyric soprano.

Synonyms

• Coloratura (when used to mean the singer)
• Soprano leggero (a similar Italian term for a light, agile soprano voice)

Related Phrases and Contexts

• Coloratura passage: A section of music featuring rapid, ornamental notes.
• Coloratura role: An operatic role written specifically for a coloratura soprano, such as Lucia (in ) or Gilda (in ).

Noun

1. a lyric soprano who specializes in coloratura vocal music