Conductors' preferences for baritone, bass-baritone, or bass soloists in Bach oratorio arias for the low male voice

Abstract

While Bach's prolific oratorio works provide a rich solo repertoire for the low male voice, there is little agreement as to whether a given aria is most appropriate for baritone, bass-baritone, or bass. This study examines the relationship of singers actually chosen by conductors in recorded performances and the modern subclassification of those voices. A significant correlation was found between specific arias and the voice type(s) chosen to perform them. The study results suggest that factors other than voice range and tessitura apparently play a significant role in conductors' choices and that classifying oratorio roles into a detailed classification system such as the European "fach system" would be advantageous to singers.