mezzo-soprano
A female voice range between soprano and contralto.
In Depth
The mezzo-soprano voice sits between the soprano and contralto, typically ranging from A3 to A5. It is the most common female voice type and is characterized by a warm, full quality in the middle register. Mezzos are often divided into lyric mezzo-soprano (lighter, more agile) and dramatic mezzo-soprano (heavier, more powerful).
In opera, mezzo-sopranos often portray complex, compelling characters — Carmen in Bizet's opera, Rosina in The Barber of Seville, and Octavian in Der Rosenkavalier are signature roles. The voice type is also frequently cast as mothers, witches, pages, and trouser roles (women playing young men). In choral music, mezzos typically sing the alto line.
Carmen, the most frequently performed opera in the world, was written for a mezzo-soprano. The role is so demanding that it requires both powerful low notes and soaring high passages.