Dear Mike and Vocalisters:
It is true that Verdi required more high notes and, in some roles, a
higher tessitura than was common prior to this but the major roles,
which were listed as bass roles, prior to Verdi contain requirements
of high notes and tessitura that can seldom be assayed by today's
basses. And they also often contain low ranges that require the true
bass voice for proper dramatic effect. Consequently the training of
longer vocal ranges.
It is also true that some of the famous contraltos of that time sang
roles such as "Norma" and "Lucia" after some retraining for these
parts. This would not likely happen today.
--
Lloyd W. Hanson
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