Fach - Definition

The German Fach (pl. Fächer) system is a method of classifying singers, primarily opera singers, by the range, weight, and color of their voices. It is primarily used in Europe, especially in German-speaking countries and in repertory opera houses.

The Fach system is a convenience for singers and opera houses. A singer who is identified as being of a certain Fach will usually be asked to sing only roles that belong to that Fach. This prevents a singer from being asked to sing roles which he or she is incapable of performing. Opera houses keep lists of available singers by Fach so that when they are casting roles for an upcoming production, they do not inadvertently contact performers who would be inappropriate for the part.

Below is a list of Fächer, their ranges as written on sheet music, and their common roles. When two names for the Fach are given, the first is in more common use today. Where possible, an English equivalent of each Fach is listed, however not all Fächer have ready English equivalents. Note that some roles can be sung by more than one Fach.

Todo: List of roles and English equivalents

Soprano Fächer

Deutsche Soubrette

Range: From middle C to the C two octaves above middle C

Koloratursopran / Koloratur Soubrette

Range: From middle C to the F two-and-a-half octaves above middle C

Dramatische Koloratursopran

Range: From middle C to the F two-and-a-half octaves above middle C

Lyrischer Sopran

Range: From middle C to the C two octaves above middle C

Jugendlich Dramatischer Sopran

Range: From middle C to the C two octaves above middle C

Charaktersopran

Range: From the B below middle C to the C two octaves above middle C

Dramatischersopran

Range: From the B below middle C to the C two octaves above middle C

Hochdramatischersopran

Range: From the F below middle C to the C two octaves above middle C

Mezzo-soprano Fächer

Lyrischer Mezzosopran / Spielalt

Range: From the G below middle C to the B above middle C

Dramatischer Mezzosopran

Range: From the G below middle C to the B above middle C

Dramatischer Alt

Range: From the G below middle C to the B above middle C

Tiefer Alt

Range: From the F below middle C to the A above middle C

Tenor Fächer

Spieltenor

Range: From middle C to the B two octaves above middle C (sung one octave lower)

Lyrischertenor

Range: From middle C to the C two octaves above middle C (sung one octave lower)

Characktertenor

Range: From the B below middle C to the C two octaves above middle C (sung one octave lower)

Jugendlicher Heldentenor

Range: From middle C to the C two octaves above middle C (sung one octave lower)

Heldentenor / Tenorbariton

Range: From the B below middle C to the B two octaves above middle C (sung one octave lower)

Baritone Fächer

Lyrischer Bariton / Lyric Baritone

Range: From the B below middle C to the G one-and-a-half octaves above middle C (sung one octave lower)

Description: A sweeter, milder sounding baritone voice, lacking in harshness.

Typical role(s): Figaro from Mozart's "Le Nozze de Figaro", Marcello or Schuenard from Puccini's "La Boheme".

Charakterbariton

Range: From the A below middle C to the G#/Ab one-and-a-half octaves above middle C (sung one octave lower)

Cavalierbariton / Dramatic Baritone

Range: From the A below middle C to the G#/Ab one-and-a-half octaves above middle C (sung one octave lower)

Description: Harsher, more aggressive and pronounced than the Lyric baritone.

Typical Role(s): Tonio from Leoncavallo's "Pagliacci".

Heldenbariton / Hoherbass

Range: From the G below middle C to the F# one-and-a-half octaves above middle C (sung one octave lower)

Bass Fächer

Spielbaß / Baßbuffo

Range: From the E one-and-a-half octaves below middle C to the F above middle C

Schwerer Spielbaß

Range: From the C two octaves below middle C to the F above middle C

Charakterbaß / Baßbariton

Range: From the E one-and-a-half octaves below middle C to the F above middle C

Serioserbaß / Schwarzerbaß

Range: From the C two octaves below middle C to the F above middle C

External links

• Fach list at Tenorland (http://tenorland.com/fachlist.html)
• The Fach System at SUOpera (http://www.su.edu/SUOpera/classes/mupp425/Documents/Performances/Fach/Home.htm)