I've been on the Vocalist quite a while: since 1995. And I've seen lots of these questions and the very many answers to them. And I've read the interminable discussions on the opera lists that say "[Famous Opera Singer] is REALLY a [vocal category] (Usually it's Domingo/Baritone, Bartoli/Soprano, or Norman/Mezzo Soprano). I also have lots of friends who are singers, and have listened to lots and lots of singers - live as much as possible, and also on recordings.
I have come to believe: You are what you sing. If the baritone repertoire is comfortable for you, you sound good singing it, you and your teacher are comfortable with your vocal technique while you're singing it, and people ask/pay you to sing it, then that's what you are.
That said, sometimes when studying the voice starts in one place, and as the technique (or the voice in the case of a young singer) matures it turns out another place works better. I think the important thing is to relax and sing what works well in your voice. And if you think your voice is moving somewhere else, try singing something different and see what happens.
Peggy -- Margaret Harrison, Alexandria, Virginia, USA "Music for a While Shall All Your Cares Beguile" mailto:peggyh@i...
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