Voice type in baroque operas. Except for a few very rare voices (such as the American male soprano Michael Maniaci or singers with a disorder such as Kallmann syndrome), singers called countertenors generally sing in the falsetto register, sometimes using their modal voice for the lowest notes. Historically, there is much evidence that the countertenor, in England at least, also designated a very high tenor voice, the equivalent of the French "haute-contre". Until about 1830, all male voices used some falsetto-type voice production in their upper range. Countertenor voices span a broad range, covering E3 to E5. Countertenor subtypes: Countertenors are often
The Singing Lesson E, F, G, A, & B) becomes the basis for the entire opera. In keeping with Davidson's penchant for musical appropriation, the opera is filled with quotes - of his own works - applied chronologically from latest to earliest. The Singing Lesson The Singing Lesson is a chamber opera in three acts with music and libretto by Matthew Davidson. Based on three short stories ("The Garden Party", "The Singing Lesson", and "The Doll’s House") by New Zealand author Katherine Mansfield, the opera is very unusual in several respects. For instance, the three acts are not connected by a conventional plot,