what is a mezzo soprano

A mezzo-soprano or mezzo is a type of classical female singing voice whose vocal range lies between the soprano and the contralto voice types. The vocal range of a mezzo-soprano usually extends from the A below middle C to the A two octaves above. Mezzo-sopranos generally have a heavier, darker tone than sopranos, and their voice resonates in a higher range than that of a contralto. The terms Dugazon and Galli-Marié are sometimes used to refer to light mezzo-sopranos, after the names of famous singers. Mezzos can sing high notes too, but they spend most of their time singing in the middle of their range. They are most comfortable singing in the mid-range, where their voice is at its richest. Mezzo-sopranos are often used in opera to portray older women, mothers, witches, and evil characters. Some famous mezzo-sopranos include Joyce DiDonato, Janet Baker, and Dolora Zajick.