soprano

soprano Definition

so·prano (sə pran′ō, -prä′nō)

noun pl. -·nos or -·ni-prä′nē

the range of the highest voice of women or boys, usually from middle C to two or more octaves above
1. a voice or singer with such a range
2. an instrument with a similar range within its family, as a soprano recorder
3. a part for such a voice or instrument
in four-part harmony, the highest part

Etymology: It < sopra, above < L supra

adjective

of, for, or having the range of a soprano

soprano Synonyms

soprano Usage Examples

Converse of subject

Converse of object

sing: Choir boys don't sing soprano for any other reason.
feature: Another common feature is that both include a beautifully melodic setting of the Pie Jesu featuring a solo soprano.

Adjective modifier

acclaimed: O Waly, Waly Oliver Cromwell Born in Bombay, Patricia Rozario is the foremost internationally acclaimed Indian soprano.
Canadian: Kathleen Ferrier Award winning Canadian soprano Gillian Keith is Diana.
Australian: The soloists for this concert will include Australian soprano Rebecca Nash.
Irish: The season also includes a revival of Bizet's Carmen with the popular Irish mezzo soprano Imelda Drumm in the title role.
famous: Singing sensations... Probably the most famous soprano around at the moment, Katherine Jenkins is a former choir member.
young: It was a little hard for our older members to see how easily our youngest soprano found willing partners.

Modifies a noun

sax: On the left is a shot down the bell of a soprano sax.
saxophone: SUMMER DAYS A light bouncy melody on the soprano saxophone, reflecting the mood of summer.
pipistrelle: Click here to listen to the social call of the soprano pipistrelle.
cornet: John has played every instrument in the band apart from soprano cornet.
soloist: The second soprano soloist, Lynne Haigh, drawn from the ranks of the choir, was excellent.
shawm: Below is his reply, which may prove of interest to other shawm players: Suppose this is a c soprano shawm.

Noun used with modifier

mezzo: The season also includes a revival of Bizet's Carmen with the popular Irish mezzo soprano Imelda Drumm in the title role.
solo: A rising solo soprano line brings the mass to a peaceful conclusion.
lyric: Venice is a lyric soprano and singing teacher from London.
boy: Once a half-decent boy soprano, his is now the kind of bass voice best confined to the back row of the chorus.
adult: Practices are on Friday evenings from 7:00 - 8:30pm for junior members and from 7:30 - 9:00pm for adult sopranos and lower parts.

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