soprani

A choir director listens to the soprani during a rehearsal.

Definition

1. Noun (plural of ):
   • High-pitched singing voices: "soprani" refers to the highest vocal range in music, typically sung by women or boys, or the voices themselves in a plural context.
   • Singers with such voices: "soprani" also denotes multiple singers who perform in the soprano range, especially in operatic or choral settings.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The choir was divided into soprani and alti for the performance. (The high-voiced singers were separated from the lower-voiced ones.)
  • The soprani in the opera company were praised for their clear, powerful tones. (The soprano singers received acclaim.)

Advanced Usage

• "Soprani" as a technical term: In music notation or historical contexts, "soprani" may appear to describe the soprano parts or voices collectively.

  • The score indicated the soprani should hold the note for four beats. (The musical part for soprano voices required a sustained note.)

• "Soprani" in choral music: Used to specify the highest section of a choir, often contrasting with contralti (lower female voices) or tenori (higher male voices).

  • The soprani carried the melody while the alti provided harmony. (The highest voices led the tune.)

Variants and Related Words

• Soprano (n, singular): a single singer or voice in the highest range.

  • She is a talented soprano who performs in operas. (A female singer with a high voice.)

• Sopranist (n): a male singer who sings in the soprano range, often through falsetto or castrato technique.

  • The sopranist amazed the audience with his high notes. (A male soprano singer.)

• Mezzo-soprano (n): a voice range between soprano and contralto.

  • The mezzo-soprano sang the supporting role. (A medium-high voice.)

Synonyms

• High voices: trebles (especially for boys' voices).
• Soprano singers: prima donnas (in operatic contexts, though this implies lead roles).

Related Idioms

• "Soprano of the group": a metaphorical phrase meaning the highest or most prominent voice in a discussion or team.
  • She acted as the soprano of the group, always leading the conversation. (She took the most vocal role.)

Note: "Soprani" is a rare plural form; the more common plural is sopranos. It is often used in formal or historical music writing.