Voice type C). In the lower and upper extremes some contralto voices can sing from D3 (the D below middle C) to B5 (the second B-flat above), one whole step short of the soprano "high C". Contralto tessitura: The contralto voice has the lowest tessitura of the female voices. Contralto subtypes: Contraltos are often broken down into three subcategories: coloratura contralto, lyric contralto, and dramatic contralto. A soprano sfogato is a contralto who has an extended high range reaching the soprano "high C". Countertenor range: The countertenor is the highest male voice. Many countertenor singers perform roles originally written for a castrato
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,