26 Italian Songs And Arias Medium High Voice: A Comprehensive Guide for Vocalists

Italian vocal music is renowned for its passion, beauty, and technical demands. For medium-high voices, there is a wealth of songs and arias to explore that can showcase their vocal abilities and artistry. This article provides an in-depth exploration of 26 such pieces, offering a detailed analysis, performance tips, and relevant recordings for each entry.

1. "Ave Maria" by Franz Schubert

Composer: Franz SchubertVoice Range: Medium-high (mezzo-soprano or lyric soprano)

26 Italian Songs and Arias: Medium High Voice

by Maria Aduke Alabi

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	24611 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	152 pages

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Schubert's "Ave Maria" is a beloved and timeless masterpiece, often performed in both religious and secular settings. The piece's flowing melody and simple yet expressive text create a sense of serenity and devotion. It is a favorite choice for vocal recitals and concerts.

Performance Tips:

• Maintain a pure and floating vocal tone throughout the piece.
• Pay attention to the dynamics and crescendos to build tension and release.
• Connect with the text and its spiritual message to convey a sense of reverence.

Relevant Recordings:

• Renée Fleming
• Cecilia Bartoli

2. "O mio babbino caro" from Giacomo Puccini's Gianni Schicchi

Composer: Giacomo PucciniVoice Range: Medium-high (soprano)

This beautiful aria from Puccini's one-act opera tells the story of Lauretta, a young woman pleading with her father to allow her to marry her lover, Rinuccio. The aria's soaring melody and expressive lyrics capture Lauretta's desperation and hope.

Performance Tips:

• Sing with a clear and bright tone, emphasizing the high notes in the melody.
• Convey Lauretta's emotional intensity and desperation through your vocal interpretation.
• Pay attention to the dramatic context and the interplay with Rinuccio.

Relevant Recordings:

• Anna Netrebko
• Mirella Freni

3. "Vissi d'arte" from Giacomo Puccini's Tosca

Composer: Giacomo PucciniVoice Range: Medium-high (soprano)

This aria is sung by Tosca, the heroine of Puccini's famous opera, as she reflects on her life and the sacrifices she has made for art. The aria's dramatic melody and intense emotions make it a favorite for vocalists and audiences alike.

Performance Tips:

• Sing with a powerful and resonant voice, expressing Tosca's strength and passion.
• Pay attention to the dynamic contrasts and dramatic intensifications in the music.
• Connect with the character's emotional journey and convey her despair and regret.

Relevant Recordings:

• Maria Callas
• Leontyne Price

4. "Casta diva" from Vincenzo Bellini's Norma

Composer: Vincenzo BelliniVoice Range: Medium-high (soprano)

This famous aria from Bellini's opera is sung by Norma, a priestess who is torn between her duty to her people and her love for a Roman soldier. The aria's ethereal melody and demanding vocal line require a strong and agile voice.

Performance Tips:

• Sing with a pure and floated tone, maintaining a sense of celestial and otherworldly beauty.
• Pay attention to the legato lines and smooth transitions between notes.
• Convey Norma's inner conflict and emotional turmoil through your vocal interpretation.

Relevant Recordings:

• Joan Sutherland
• Maria Callas

5. "Una voce poco fa" from Gioachino Rossini's The Barber of Seville

Composer: Gioachino RossiniVoice Range: Medium-high (mezzo-soprano)

This lively and virtuosic aria is sung by Rosina, the heroine of Rossini's popular opera. The aria's rapid-fire patter and coloratura passages require a nimble and agile voice with excellent vocal control.

Performance Tips:

• Sing with a light and flexible voice, executing the coloratura passages with precision and clarity.
• Pay attention to the rhythmic intricacies and dynamic contrasts in the music.
• Convey Rosina's wit and independent spirit through your vocal characterization.

Relevant Recordings:

• Cecilia Bartoli
• Teresa Berganza

6. "Largo al factotum" from Gioachino Rossini's The Barber of Seville

Composer: Gioachino RossiniVoice Range: Medium-high (baritone)

This famous aria from Rossini's opera is sung by Figaro, the cunning and witty barber. The aria's fast-paced melody and elaborate ornamentation require a strong and agile voice with excellent vocal dexterity.

Performance Tips:

• Sing with a robust and confident voice, articulating the text clearly and expressively.
• Pay attention to the

26 Italian Songs and Arias: Medium High Voice

by Maria Aduke Alabi

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	24611 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	152 pages

FREE