Mezzo-soprano (Italian [ˈmɛddzosoˈpraːno], literally «half-soprano»), or mezzo (English /ˈmɛtsoʊ/ MET-soh), is a type of classical female singing voice whose vocal range lies between soprano and contralto.
*A mezzo-soprano is a female singing voice, intermediate between soprano and contralto. It is distinguished by a rich, full timbre, especially in the lower and middle registers. The mezzo-soprano range typically spans from A below middle C to the A above the treble staff. This voice is characterized by density, velvety warmth, and depth of sound, often with a dramatic edge. In opera, mezzo-sopranos traditionally sing the roles of mothers, witches, rivals, and trouser roles (male characters).
Notable opera singers with mezzo-soprano voices:
- Elīna Garanča — a Latvian opera singer known for her performances in the operas of Bizet, Verdi, and Rossini
- Joyce DiDonato — an American opera diva celebrated with numerous awards for her roles in the operas of Mozart and Handel
- Cecilia Bartoli — an Italian opera singer renowned for her interpretations of Baroque and Classical repertoire
- Ekaterina Gubanova — a Russian singer performing on the world’s leading opera stages
- Anita Rachvelishvili — a Georgian opera singer, recognized as one of the finest interpreters of the role of Carmen in contemporary opera
Examples of Popular Singers with Mezzo-Soprano Voices:
1. Paula Abdul
Years active: 1982-present
Country: USA
Style: Pop, R&B, dance
Voice characteristics:
- A light mezzo-soprano with a soft, airy timbre.
- Range mostly in the middle register, without the deep lows typical of a contralto.
- Distinctive manner: a blend of melodiousness and rhythmic delivery.
Well-known hits:
- «Straight Up» (1988)
- «Opposites Attract» (1989)
- «Rush Rush» (1991)
Fun fact:
Before her solo career, she was a choreographer for The Jacksons and Janet Jackson.
2. Anastacia
Years active: 1998-present
Country: USA
Style: Pop-rock, soul, R&B
Voice characteristics:
- A powerful mezzo-soprano with a raspy edge and strong chest resonance.
- Range: ~G3-D5 (with an emphasis on rich middle notes).
- A recognizable growling vocal in the style of the rock divas of the 1980s.
Well-known hits:
- «I’m Outta Love» (2000)
- «Left Outside Alone» (2004)
- «Sick and Tired» (2004)
Fun fact:
She survived breast cancer in 2003 and became an activist in the fight against the disease.
3. Barbra Streisand
Years active: 1960-present
Country: USA
Style: Pop, jazz, musical theater
Voice characteristics:
- A classic lyric mezzo-soprano with a velvety timbre and impeccable technique.
- Range: ~A3-C6 (free upper notes and warm lows).
- Masterful command of legato and dynamics.
Well-known hits:
- «Woman in Love» (1980)
- «The Way We Were» (1973)
- «Memory» (from the musical Cats)
Fun fact:
The only artist to win an Oscar, a Grammy, an Emmy, and a Tony (EGOT).
4. Anni-Frid Lyngstad (ABBA)
Years active: 1967-present
Country: Sweden/Norway
Style: Pop, disco, Europop
Voice characteristics:
- A mezzo-soprano with a light but full timbre.
- Range: G3-E5 (comfortable in the middle register).
- A smooth, almost jazz-inflected phrasing.
Well-known hits:
- «Fernando» (1976)
- «The Winner Takes It All» (1980)
- «Knowing Me, Knowing You» (1977)
Fun fact:
Her voice created a melancholy contrast with Agnetha’s brighter soprano in ABBA.
5. Adele
Years active: 2006-present
Country: United Kingdom
Style: Soul, pop, blues
Voice characteristics:
- A mezzo-soprano with deep lows and powerful chest resonance.
- Range: B♭2-B5 (though she usually works in C3-G5).
- Emotional delivery with vibrato.
Well-known hits:
- «Rolling in the Deep» (2011)
- «Someone Like You» (2011)
- «Hello» (2015)
Fun fact:
Her voice is sometimes classified as a contralto because of her strong low notes (B♭2).
6. Gwen Stefani
Years active: 1986-present
Country: USA
Style: Pop, rock, ska
Voice characteristics:
- A mezzo-soprano with a bright, slightly nasal timbre.
- Range: A3-E5 (rarely goes beyond the middle register).
- A rhythmic, almost chanted delivery with No Doubt.
Well-known hits:
- «Don’t Speak» (1995)
- «Hollaback Girl» (2004)
- «The Sweet Escape» (2006)
Fun fact:
In her youth she sang in a choir but deliberately cultivated an «imperfect» rock delivery.
Comparison Table
| Parameter | Paula Abdul | Anastacia | Barbra Streisand | Anni-Frid Lyngstad | Adele | Gwen Stefani |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Timbre | Light, airy | Raspy, powerful | Velvety, soft | Smooth, melancholy | Deep, soul groove | Bright, with a hint of scream |
| Range | G3-A5 | G3-D5 | A3-C6 | G3-E5 | B♭2-B5 (C3-G5) | A3-E5 |
| Style | Pop/R&B | Pop-rock | Jazz/musical | Pop/disco | Soul/blues | Pop-rock/ska |
| Technique | Rhythmic delivery | Powerful vibrato | Masterful legato | Jazz phrasing | Chest resonance | Rock chanting |
| Sample track | «Straight Up» | «I’m Outta Love» | «Woman in Love» | «Fernando» | «Rolling in the Deep» | «Don’t Speak» |
Conclusions
- Widest range — Adele and Barbra Streisand.
- Most powerful rock vocal — Anastacia and Gwen Stefani.
- Classic mezzo delivery — Anni-Frid and Barbra.
Unlike opera singers, pop performers with mezzo-soprano voices are often distinguished by a particular timbre and individual manner of performance, and don’t always rely on classical vocal technique. Their voices are usually recognizable thanks to their unique color and expressiveness.