Recognize the Performers

If you've ever watched PBS (and we know you have, even if it was an accident), you'll recognize The Three Tenors: Placido Domingo, Luciano Pavarotti (now deceased) and Jose Carreras. Though they sang many beautiful arias, watching three fat old men on a bare stage may not get you hot and heavy. Nevertheless, it's good to know what roles exist in a standard opera.

The women: Female opera singers are categorized by how high their singing voices are: soprano, mezzo-soprano and alto (from highest voice to lowest). Traditionally, the sopranos are the heroines, and the mezzo-sopranos and altos are the mothers, witches, sidekicks and older women. Lucky them.

The men: Male opera singers are also categorized by how high their singing voices are: tenor, baritone and bass, again from highest to lowest. The tenors are the famous singers and usually play the hero, while baritones and basses are relegated to the position of evil dukes, fathers, bakers and criminals. Sound familiar? That's not to say that the mezzos, altos, baritones and basses don't get good music; but for your sweet, old-fashioned love story (or tragically fated romance), you can count on the sopranos and tenors to bring you to tears.

Next: Research and Listen

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