coloratura

Coloratura refers to elaborate vocal ornamentation featuring rapid scales, runs, trills, and wide leaps. While the term can apply to any voice type, it is most commonly associated with coloratura sopranos — singers with the agility and range to execute extremely demanding passage work in the highest register. The Queen of the Night aria from Mozart's The Magic Flute is perhaps the most famous coloratura showcase, requiring stratospheric high notes and rapid-fire runs. Rossini, Bellini, and Donizetti wrote extensively for coloratura voices. Performers like Joan Sutherland and Edita Gruberova became legendary for their command of this demanding technique.