The Most Famous Mezzo-soprano, Ranked

Choose the mezzo-soprano you think is the most famous!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Jul 25, 2024 07:43
Opera enthusiasts often debate about the attributes that make a mezzo-soprano stand out. From the depth of vocal range to the ability to convey emotion through music, each singer brings a unique twist to performances. This has led to a need to categorize and gauge who really captivates the audience most effectively. On our site, users have the opportunity to cast their votes and influence the rankings of the most admired mezzo-sopranos. Whether you are a seasoned opera-goer or new to the genre, your votes contribute to shaping a live leaderboard that reflects the current popular opinion on these talented artists.

Who Is the Most Famous Mezzo-soprano?

  1. 1
    46
    points
    Cecilia Bartoli

    Cecilia Bartoli

    An Italian mezzo-soprano known for her interpretations of the music of Mozart, as well as for her performances of lesser-known Baroque and classical music.
    • Nationality: Italian
    • Born: June 4, 1966
  2. 2
    24
    points
    Janet Baker

    Janet Baker

    A British mezzo-soprano who is particularly renowned for her performances in opera, concert, and lieder.
    • Nationality: British
    • Born: August 21, 1933
  3. 3
    22
    points
    Marilyn Horne

    Marilyn Horne

    An American mezzo-soprano who is particularly associated with the music of Rossini and Handel.
    • Nationality: American
    • Born: January 16, 1934
  4. 4
    17
    points
    Frederica von Stade

    Frederica von Stade

    An American mezzo-soprano known for her roles in Mozart operas as well as her performances of contemporary American music.
    • Nationality: American
    • Born: June 1, 1945
  5. 5
    14
    points
    Joyce DiDonato

    Joyce DiDonato

    An American mezzo-soprano celebrated for her interpretations of opera and concert repertoire spanning from Baroque to contemporary music.
    • Nationality: American
    • Born: February 13, 1969
  6. 6
    13
    points
    Teresa Berganza

    Teresa Berganza

    A Spanish mezzo-soprano known for her versatile voice and her interpretation of Rossini, Mozart, and Spanish songs.
    • Nationality: Spanish
    • Born: March 16, 1933
  7. 7
    11
    points
    Elīna Garanča

    Elīna Garanča

    A Latvian mezzo-soprano known for her powerful voice and captivating performances in operas by Mozart, Verdi, and Bizet.
    • Nationality: Latvian
    • Born: September 16, 1976
  8. 8
    0
    points
    Anne Sofie von Otter

    Anne Sofie von Otter

    A Swedish mezzo-soprano known for her versatile voice, excelling in opera, lieder, and choral music.
    • Nationality: Swedish
    • Born: May 9, 1955
  9. 9
    0
    points
    Agnes Baltsa

    Agnes Baltsa

    A Greek mezzo-soprano known for her expressive voice and her performances in operas by Rossini, Mozart, and Bizet.
    • Nationality: Greek
    • Born: November 19, 1944
  10. 10
    0
    points
    Grace Bumbry

    Grace Bumbry

    An American mezzo-soprano, one of the leading opera singers of her generation, and the first African American to perform at the Bayreuth Festival.
    • Nationality: American
    • Born: January 4, 1937

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About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous mezzo-soprano. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or mezzo-soprano is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2888 views
  • 147 votes
  • 10 ranked items

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Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each mezzo-soprano once every 24 hours. The rank of each mezzo-soprano is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

Additional Information

More about the Most Famous Mezzo-soprano

Cecilia Bartoli
Rank #1 for the most famous mezzo-soprano: Cecilia Bartoli (Source)
The mezzo-soprano voice type is one of the most celebrated in opera and classical music. It sits between the higher soprano and the lower contralto. This voice type is known for its rich, warm tone and its ability to convey deep emotion. Mezzo-sopranos often play a wide range of roles, from young boys to mature women, making them versatile performers.

In opera, the mezzo-soprano often sings roles that require strength and depth. These roles can be both heroic and villainous. They are known for their dramatic intensity and emotional range. Many of the most memorable characters in opera are mezzo-sopranos. These roles often demand a powerful voice and excellent acting skills.

The history of the mezzo-soprano voice type dates back to the early days of opera. Composers have always valued the unique qualities of this voice. They write music that showcases its strengths. The mezzo-soprano voice has a distinctive timbre that sets it apart from other voice types. It can convey both tenderness and power.

Training to become a mezzo-soprano is a long and challenging process. Singers must develop their voices over many years. They often start training as children. Voice lessons, practice, and performance experience are all crucial. Many mezzo-sopranos also study acting and languages. This helps them perform roles from different cultures and time periods.

A successful mezzo-soprano must have more than just a beautiful voice. She must also have strong stage presence and the ability to connect with the audience. Many of the greatest mezzo-sopranos have a magnetic quality that draws people in. They can make even the most complex characters come to life.

The repertoire for mezzo-sopranos is vast and varied. It includes both classical and modern works. Some of the most famous operas feature prominent mezzo-soprano roles. These roles often require a wide vocal range and great technical skill. Mezzo-sopranos must be able to sing both high and low notes with ease. They must also be able to convey a wide range of emotions.

In addition to opera, mezzo-sopranos also perform in other musical genres. They often sing in concerts, recitals, and recordings. Their voices are well-suited to a variety of musical styles. Many mezzo-sopranos also perform in musical theater and film. Their versatility makes them in high demand.

The life of a mezzo-soprano can be demanding. It involves constant travel and long hours of rehearsal. Performers must maintain their voices and stay in good physical condition. They often spend months or even years preparing for a single role. Despite the challenges, many mezzo-sopranos find great satisfaction in their work. They have the opportunity to bring beautiful music to life and to touch the hearts of audiences around the world.

The mezzo-soprano voice type remains one of the most beloved in the world of music. Its unique qualities make it an essential part of the operatic tradition. The best mezzo-sopranos continue to inspire and captivate audiences with their talent and artistry. Their contributions to music are timeless and invaluable.

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