Passaggio

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. Others used to stretch the passaggio while switching from chest voice to head voice making a sound similar to a sob between the two notes.

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The term was used as the title for a piece of music by Luciano Berio for soprano, two choirs and ensemble; see Passaggio (Berio).

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Singing: Singing is the act of producing musical sounds with the voice, often constrasted with speech. Air is expelled with the diaphragm as with ordinary breathing, and the pitch is altered with the vocal cords. With the lips closed, this is called humming. A piece of music that is sung is called a song; s...

Pitch: Pitch may refer to:...

Head voice: Head voice is a term used within vocal music. The use of this term varies widely within vocal pedagogical circles and there is currently no one consistent opinion among vocal music professionals in regards to this term. Head voice can be used in relation to the following:...