|
Passaggio is a singing term used to describe the pitch range at which a singer's voice 'breaks' or switches over from one's 'chest voice' (natural singing voice) to one's 'head voice' or 'falsetto' (generally for males). This is the point at which one's voice cracks, and speaking or singing in this range can be quite uncomfortable. Many good vocalists have learned to practically eliminate passagio through vocal exercises, such as the singing of scales in the range.
The term was used as the title for a piece of music by Luciano Berio for soprano, two choirs and ensemble; see Passaggio (Berio).
|