Fach Explained

The German system (pronounced as /de/; literally "compartment" or "subject of study", here in the sense of "vocal specialization") is a method of classifying singers, primarily opera singers, according to the range, weight, and color of their voices. It is used worldwide, but primarily in Europe, especially in German-speaking countries and by repertory opera houses.[1]

The system is a convenience for singers and opera houses. It prevents singers from being asked to sing roles which they are incapable of performing, or roles for which their vocal timbre is dramatically unsuited. Opera companies keep lists of available singers by so that when they are casting roles for an upcoming production, they do not inadvertently contact performers who would be inappropriate for the part.[2]

Below is a list of (pronounced as /de/), their ranges as written on sheet music, and roles generally considered appropriate to each. When two names for the are given, the first is in more common use today. Where possible, an English and/or Italian equivalent of each is listed; however, not all have ready English or Italian equivalents. Note that some roles can be sung by more than one and that many singers do not easily fit into a : for instance some sopranos may sing both and roles. In addition, roles traditionally more difficult to cast may be given to a voice other than the traditional . For instance, the "Queen of the Night" and "Violetta" are more traditionally dramatic coloratura roles, but it is difficult to find a dramatic coloratura to sing it (particularly given the extreme range). Therefore, these roles are often sung by a lyric coloratura.

Soprano

One must not mistake the Mozartian dramatic coloratura soprano with the Italian dramatic coloratura soprano. A singer that sings Konstanze, Donna Anna or Fiordiligi can not necessarily sing the Italian dramatic coloratura parts, due to other vocal demands. Imogene, Leonora and Violetta require a dramatic soprano voice and are most often sung by dramatic sopranos with an agile voice that can easily produce coloratura and high notes. Roles like Norma, Lady Macbeth, Odabella or Abigaille are good examples of Italian roles that are not necessarily a coloratura soprano (even though the score calls for coloratura singing), but a full bodied dramatic soprano with a voice that can handle extreme dramatic singing and that is flexible enough to sing coloratura. Giuseppe Verdi wrote many parts like this in his early years.

Mezzo-soprano

Contralto

Tenor

/ Tenor buffo

German: Jugendlicher Heldentenor

Baritone

German: Bariton / German: Baryton-Martin

/ Low lyric baritone

/ Low dramatic baritone

Basso cantante / Lyric bass-bariton / High lyric bass

/ Dramatic bass-baritone / High dramatic bass

/ Bassbuffo / Lyric buffo

/ Dramatic buffo

Bibliography

Notes and References

  1. Web site: How to Determine Singing Range and Vocal Fach (Voice Type). 2021-08-18. SingWise. 18 April 2020 . en-US.
  2. Web site: Scott-Stoddart. Nina. The Fach system of vocal classification. 2021-08-18. Halifax Opera Festival. en-US.
  3. Web site: Opera Roles from Siegfried . 2023-09-18 . Opera-Arias.com . en.
  4. Book: Anthony, Legge . The art of auditioning . 1988 . Rhinegold publishing limited . 0946890242 . 55.
  5. Web site: Opera Roles from La Bohème . 2023-09-18 . Opera-Arias.com . en.
  6. Web site: Opera Roles from Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg . 2023-09-18 . Opera-Arias.com . en.
  7. Web site: Opera Roles from The Queen of Spades . 2023-09-18 . Opera-Arias.com . en.
  8. Web site: Opera Roles from Der Rosenkavalier . 2023-09-18 . Opera-Arias.com . en.
  9. Web site: Opera Roles from Les Contes d'Hoffmann . 2023-09-18 . Opera-Arias.com . en.
  10. Web site: Opera Roles from Salome . 2023-09-18 . Opera-Arias.com . en.
  11. Book: Anthony, Legge . The art of auditioning . 1988 . Rhinegold publishing limited . 0946890242 . 56.
  12. Book: Anthony, Legge . The art of auditioning . 1988 . Rhinegold publishing limited . 0946890242.
  13. McGinnis 2010, p. 257
  14. [John Warrack]
  15. News: Huizenga . Tom . Talk Like An Opera Geek: Breaking Down Baritones . Deceptive Cadence . NPR . 14 December 2011 .
  16. https://www.universaledition.com/alban-berg-51/works/lulu-9814 Facsimile of score of Lulu from Universal Edition
  17. http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/cardiffsinger05/generic/guide_singingvoice_bass.shtml Bass Guide