A (or '''basso''' in Italian) is a male singer who sings in the lowest Vocal Range of the human voice. A typical bass has a range extending from around the E below the bottom of the Bass Clef to the E above middle C (i.e. E2-E4). ''Bass'' is also used to refer to a low speaking voice.
In Classical Music , and particularly in Opera , the following distinctions are often made among different kinds of bass voices:
- ''Basso profondo'' (frequently misspelled ''basso profundo'', also French ''basse noble'') is a particularly deep and resonant voice. It may reach the D, C or even B flat below the bass clef, but is most distinguished by its dark and cavernous timbre. This kind of bass typically plays an older man.
- ''Basso cantante'' (French ''basse chantante'') is a lighter, more lyrical voice, perhaps with a slightly higher range. A typical role in opera is Escamillo from Bizet's '' Carmen ''.
- ''Basso buffo'' literally means "comic bass." It is used to describe operatic roles that do not call for lyrical, elaborate singing but do require a strong comic acting ability. A typical role in opera is Don Bartolo from Rossini's opera '' Il Barbiere Di Siviglia ''.
- '' Bass-baritone '' is a voice with the resonant low notes of the typical bass but with the ability to sing in a baritonal Tessitura . Sometimes it also refers to a voice with a range and tone somewhere between a bass and a Baritone . A typical role in opera is Wotan from Wagner's '' Der Ring Des Nibelungen ''.
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