Page 87 - Music

Figure 6.5 A range of pitches on the piano from A0 to C8

In singing performances, voices can be grouped based on vocal range or
pitch abilities of the singer(s); that is, how high or low one can sing. Voices
are commonly divided into four groups, namely soprano, alto, tenor and bass.
Soprano is a singing voice with the highest range, produced by females and
occasionally by males. Alto is female’s singing voice with a lower range than
that of soprano. Tenor is mostly a male’s singing voice with a range just below
alto. Bass is the lowest male voice. Figures 6.6 to 6.9 show soprano, alto, tenor
and bass pitch ranges on the piano.

Figure 6.6: Soprano pitch range on the piano from C4 (middle C) to C6

Figure 6.7: Alto pitch range on the piano from F3 to D5

Figure 6.8: Tenor pitch range on the piano from C3 to A4

Figure 6.9: Bass pitch range on the piano from E2 to E4

Note that, the ranges of these four voices may interact. However, when singers
try to sing above or below their specific ranges, they may end up struggling or
producing an unpleasant sound. For example, the ranges of an alto and a soprano
may interact. But the soprano will produce a strong and clear sound on the higher

notes, while the alto will produce a strong and clear sound on the lower notes.

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