With a voice that resonates with depth and power, the dramatic mezzo-soprano commands the stage, weaving tales of passion, tragedy, and triumph. But what exactly defines a dramatic mezzo-soprano, and why is selecting the right repertoire crucial for her artistry?
Nestled between the richness of the dramatic soprano and the agility of the lyric mezzo-soprano, the dramatic mezzo-soprano voice possesses a distinctive timbre characterised by its dark, velvety hues and expansive range. She is capable of traversing the depths of the lower register with a sonorous resonance while effortlessly ascending to soaring heights, all the while maintaining a commanding presence and emotional intensity.
Selecting the right repertoire is paramount for artistic growth and development. Each dramatic mezzo-soprano role must not only showcase the full extent of vocal abilities but also resonate deeply with the singer’s own unique interpretation and artistic vision.
To help you get started, here are 24 opera arias for dramatic mezzo-soprano:
Opera Arias for Dramatic Mezzo-Soprano
Fia dunque vero / O mio Fernando – La favorita (Donizetti)
Entweihte Götter! – Lohengrin (Wagner)
Einsam wachend in der Nacht – Tristan und Isolde (Wagner)
Wo in Bergen du dich birgst – Die Walküre (Wagner)
Stride la vampa – Il trovatore (Verdi)
Condotta ell’era in ceppi – Il trovatore (Verdi)
Nei giardin del bello – Don Carlo (Verdi)
O don fatale – Don Carlo (Verdi)
Al suon del tamburo – La forza del destino (Verdi)
Rataplan – La forza del destino (Verdi)
Me violà seule enfin / Plus grand, dans son obscurité – La Reine de Saba (Gounod)
Ho il cor gonfio di lagrime / Stella del marinar! La Gioconda (Ponchielli)
Quand je vous aimerai ? / L’amour est un oiseau rebelle – Carmen (Bizet)
Près des remparts de Séville – Carmen (Bizet)
Voyons, que j’essaie / En vain pour éviter – Carmen (Bizet)
Oui, Dieu le veut! / Adieu, forêts – Jeanne d’Arc (Tschaikowsky)
Aj, aj, už jsi se navrátila? – Rusalka (Dvořák)
Venge-moi / Hérode! Ne me refuse pas – Hérodiade (Massenet)
Repose, ô belle amoureuse – Le roi de Lahore (Massenet)
Voi lo sapete, o mamma – Cavalleria rusticana (Mascagni)
Acerba voluttà - Adriana Lecouvreur (Cilea)
Ich habe keine guten Nächte – Elektra (Strauss)
Hab Erbarmen! – Frau ohne Schatten (Strauss)
Give him this orchid – The Rape of Lucretia (Britten)
I hope this list of 24 opera arias for dramatic mezzo-soprano sparks some inspiration.
By understanding what sets the dramatic mezzo-soprano apart and the importance of selecting the right repertoire, we gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry and skill that defines this enigmatic voice type.
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* Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional or medical advice. Singers and professional voice users should always consult with qualified professionals, such as singing teachers or medical practitioners before making any decisions or taking any actions related to their vocal health and wellbeing.
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