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The Tenor: A History of Voice

Ryan Foster

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The tenor voice is one of the most popular vocal types in the world. It is known for its clear, ringing tone and its ability to soar above the other voices in a choir or ensemble. But where did the tenor voice come from, and how has it evolved over time?

Tenor: History of a Voice

by John Potter

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
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The Early Years

The earliest known tenors were the castrati, male singers who had been castrated before puberty in order to preserve their high voices. Castrati were very popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and they sang in some of the most famous operas of the time, such as Monteverdi's Orfeo and Handel's Messiah.

However, the practice of castration was eventually banned in the 19th century, and the tenor voice began to evolve in a new direction. Tenors began to develop a more natural, less forced sound, and they began to sing a wider range of music, from opera to popular songs.

The Romantic Era

The 19th century was a golden age for the tenor voice. Tenors such as Enrico Caruso and Luciano Pavarotti became international superstars, and they helped to popularize opera around the world. The Romantic era also saw the development of the "heldentenor," a type of tenor with a powerful, heroic voice that was ideal for singing the demanding roles in Wagner's operas.

The 20th Century

The 20th century saw the continued rise of the tenor voice. Tenors such as Jussi Björling and Plácido Domingo became household names, and they helped to bring opera to a new generation of listeners. In addition to opera, tenors also began to sing in other genres of music, such as jazz and popular music.

The 21st Century

The 21st century has seen a continued interest in the tenor voice. Tenors such as Jonas Kaufmann and Juan Diego Flórez have become major stars, and they have helped to keep the tenor voice relevant in a changing musical landscape.

The tenor voice has a long and storied history. It has evolved from its humble beginnings as the voice of castrati to its current place as one of the most popular vocal types in the world. The tenor voice is a versatile and expressive instrument, and it is used in a wide range of musical styles. From opera to popular music, the tenor voice continues to delight audiences around the world.

Image Credits

Enrico Caruso in Pagliacci by Bain News Service - Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA
Luciano Pavarotti in 1997 by Christian Michelides - originally posted to Flickr as Luciano Pavarotti
Jussi Björling singing by Unknown photographer - originally posted to Flickr as Jussi Björling
Plácido Domingo in Aida by Metropolitan Opera Archives - originally posted to Flickr as Plácido Domingo
Jonas Kaufmann in Parsifal by Salzburger Festspiele / Georges Antoni - originally posted to Flickr as Jonas Kaufmann (2012)
Juan Diego Flórez in Le Comte Ory by Metropolitan Opera Archives - originally posted to Flickr as Juan Diego Flórez

Tenor: History of a Voice

by John Potter

4.1 out of 5