Baritone Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ค
baritone
[หberษชหtoสn ]
Definition
voice type
A baritone is a type of male singing voice that lies between the bass and tenor voice types, characterized by a rich and full sound. Baritones typically have a vocal range from the second G below middle C to the G above middle C. They often play important roles in operas and choral works, with many famous arias composed for this voice type. The baritone voice is commonly found in classical music, but it is also present in various genres, including jazz and pop.
Synonyms
bass-baritone, middle voice.
Examples of usage
- The baritone sang a beautiful aria at the opera.
- His baritone voice resonated throughout the concert hall.
- She wanted to learn how to train her baritone range.
- The choir had a strong baritone section, adding depth to their sound.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Music
- Baritones often play vital roles in operas, such as villains or fathers, showcasing the power and depth of their voices.
- Many orchestras include a baritone in their choirs, providing a fuller harmony in vocal performances.
- Famous baritones, like Vladimir Chernov and Thomas Hampson, are celebrated for their ability to convey strong emotions through their singing.
Pop Culture
- In contemporary music, artists like Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley are often recognized for their baritone vocal qualities.
- Baritones have also found their way into popular genres, with many great voices in rock and country music leaning towards deeper tones.
- Animated characters, such as Disney's Gaston from 'Beauty and the Beast', often have baritone voices to emphasize their strong and boisterous personalities.
Literature
- In literary works, baritone characters often symbolize wisdom or authority, resonating with the depth of their voices.
- Poets like Robert Frost have described sounds and voices in nature that reflect deep, sonorous qualities similar to a baritone voice.
- Literary characters who sing or speak in deep tones often convey comfort, strength, or mystery.
Psychology
- Studies suggest that deeper voices, including baritone ranges, are often perceived as more authoritative and trustworthy.
- Listeners have been shown to find baritone voices more soothing, which can lead to increased levels of engagement and relaxation.
- The connection between vocal tone and perception reveals how powerful the human voice can be in communication.
Origin of 'baritone'
Main points about word origin
- The term comes from the Italian word 'baritono', which itself originates from the Greek 'barus', meaning 'heavy'.
- It was first used in the early 18th century to describe a vocal range between tenor and bass.
- The word has evolved and is now commonly used worldwide in music contexts.
The term 'baritone' comes from the Italian word 'baritono,' which derives from the Greek 'baritonos,' meaning 'deep-sounding' or 'heavy sounding.' This reflects the voice's deeper timbre compared to tenors. The use of the term in music dates back to at least the 17th century when composers started to categorize vocal ranges more systematically. In the context of opera and classical music, the role of the baritone became more defined during the 18th and 19th centuries, as composers like Mozart and Verdi wrote specific parts for baritone voices in their works. Over time, the baritone has established itself as a prominent and versatile voice type, able to perform a wide range of musical styles and expressions.