Determining the timbre of a singing voice: classification of voices according to the «fach» system

Timbre of a singing voice is a multifaceted and difficult concept considered by researchers in aspects of acoustics, physiology, specifics of opera singing and expressiveness of an opera image. Vocal methodical literature contains certain criteria for definition of type of voice. However, due to the variety of voices, timbres and physical capacities of singers, the individual approach to each voice is necessary. In addition, the voice definition problem can be complicated by defects of sound formation, which only can avoid few beginner vocalists. The main classification of voices was formed gradually, it developed by the XVII century, in process of development of opera art by vocal researchers a new subtypes in each type of a voice were allocated. In the article are shown some of the existing approaches to classification of the types of singing voices which choice was determined by a personal interest and availability of sources to the author. The separate section of the article is devoted to the classification of opera voices by the Fach system used in Europe, which is somewhat similar to classifications of masters of the Italian school and the Soviet researchers, but it is more differentiated, connects subtypes of a voice not only with characteristics of timbre, but also diverse skills of actors and texture of singers, and also contains examples of the opera parties not extended on the Russian opera scene - which represented the interest to the author⁵.

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