Voice Classification

THE FACH SYSTEM: The Soprano Voice, part two

There are eight different categories for the soprano voice in the Fach system separated into two main divisions, the Spiel- and Charakterfächer and the Seriöserfächer. Follow the links to both sound examples and an extensive listing of typical roles and audition arias.  Part two: Seriöser Fächer [ze.ʁi.’ø:.zɐ ‘fɛ:.çɐ] Lyrischer (Hoher) Sopran [‘ly:.ʁɪ.ʃɐ  ‘ho:.ɐ  so.’pʁa:n] (c’-c”‘): A supple… Read More

THE FACH SYSTEM: The Soprano Voice, part one

There are eight different categories for the soprano voice in the Fach system separated into two main divisions, the Spiel- and Charakterfächer and the Seriöserfächer. Follow the links to both sound examples and an extensive listing of typical roles and audition arias. Part one: Spiel- and Charakterfächer: [ʃpi:l ʊnt ka.’ʁak.tɐ  ‘fɛ:.çɐ] Spielsopran (Deutsche Soubrette) [‘ʃpi:l.so.’pʁa:n  ‘dɔ:ʏ.ʧə  zu.’brɛ.tə]… Read More

THE FACH SYSTEM: The Soloists

The basic categories of the singing voice, soprano, alto, tenor and bass with their intermediate categories of mezzo-soprano and baritone are the basis of the vocal ranges in the German Fach system. In practice, the voices types are further defined according to quality, range, volume, acting demands, and physical appearance. The first division separates each… Read More