The Voice Divided: A Data Driven Analysis of Vocal Subcategorization

Abstract

Vocal subcategorization, or the practice of creating a specific vocal subcategory by adding a descriptor, i.e., dramatic, on to a primary vocal category, i.e., soprano, is both universal and contentious within the operatic world. Many factors attribute to the field’s contentious nature: there is no universal system of subcategorization or subcategory taxonomy; despite sharing both primary vocal categories, i.e., soprano, mezzo soprano, contralto, tenor, baritone, and bass, and using many of the same descriptors, i.e., dramatic, lyric, and comedic, no two taxonomies are considered analogues; only one taxonomy has a codifying document; and there are not date-driven analyses of any taxonomy. This document presents the first data-driven analysis of a major vocal subcategorization taxonomy, specifically the German taxonomy as outlined by the Handbuch der Oper (Kloiber, Konold, and Maschka; Bärenreither Verlag, Kassel, 2016), revealing new insights into the inner workings of the Handbuch specifically, as well as operatic genre more broadly.