Passaggio
In classical singing there is a very important term that is always discussed and in this post I would like to explain the meaning of “Passaggio”. This term is applied to all genres of singing.
The passaggio means “passage” in Italian. In all voice types you have different registers and although it is best not to think of them as separate entities, for explanations sake we will categorize them into 3 categories:
a. chest voice,
b. middle voice and
c. head voice
The passaggio is the shift that naturally occurs from one register to the next. There are two points of transition for a singing voice. These are known as the primo (first) passaggio and the secondo (second) passaggio. Much like register assignment, where in the scale a passaggio may occur depends on each singer’s physical makeup. The primo passaggio takes place in between the chest and middle registers, while the secondo passaggio lies between the middle and head registers. The pivotal notes of the passaggio differ depending on the type of voice and because we have so many sub categories in each vocal type, each passaggio range differs. For tenors, the main categories are the following, accompanied by their passaggio notes:
Tenore leggiero
Primo Passaggio- E♭4
Secondo Passaggio- A♭4
Tenore Lirico:
Primo Passaggio- D4
Secondo Passaggio- G4
Tenore Lirico Spinto:
Primo Passaggio- C#4
Secondo Passaggio- f#4
Tenore drammatico:
Primo Passaggio- C4
Secondo Passaggio- F4
Heldentenor:
Primo Passaggio- C4 or B♭3
Secondo Passaggio- F4 or E♭4
For Baritones and basses here are the following passaggi
Lyric baritone
Primo Passaggio-B3
Secondo Passaggio- E4
Dramatic Baritone:
Primo Passaggio- B♭3
Secondo Passaggio- E♭4
Bass baritone:
Primo Passaggio- A3
Secondo Passaggio- D4
Lyric Bass:
Primo Passaggio- A♭3
Secondo Passaggio- D♭4
Basso Profondo:
Primo Passaggio- G3
Secondo Passaggio- C4
For sopranos, mezzo sopranos and contralti here are the following passaggi
Soprano:
Primo Passaggio- G4 or A♭4
Secondo Passaggio- F or F♯5
Mezzo soprano:
Primo Passaggio- E4 or F4
Secondo Passaggio- E5 or F5
Contralto:
Primo Passaggio- E♭4
Secondo Passaggio- D5
One of the most challenging things in singing is our approach to the passaggio. In order to have an even sound one mustn't put weight in the middle range by bringing up the “chest” voice from the lower register, but instead use proper vocal projection and diaphragmatic support. In the secondo passaggio we can successfully move through our voice by doing vowel modification, which allows the singer to experience vocal comfort while floating on their breath support which leads to production of a beautiful tone. With proper vowel modification, singers will have better intonation, resonance and control over dynamics. Proper vowel modification happens when the larynx is in a low relaxed position and does a slight tilt as pitch ascends which leads to the elongation of the vocal folds.
With the lack of vowel modification through the passaggio the singer could encounter all types of problems, such as stiffness in their vocal tracts, hoarseness and pitch issues.
Many “belters” do not share this view in their singing and often feel as if they have reached a wall in their vocal power and range, as they cannot go past a certain note and need to switch to their “head voice” in order to ascend in pitch. On the contrary to a low relaxed larynx, in this case it causes the larynx to rise and unhealthy muscular shifts begin to occur.
Conclusion: Being aware of the passaggio in the voice can help eliminate vocal tension and can allow the singer to move freely throughout their range, when approached methodically. It enhances vocal freedom, sound and resonance.
