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DictionarybassoLow male singing voice
noun

basso

BAS-oh/bˈæsoʊ/

The lowest male vocal range in music.

The singer's basso fills the performance with rich, low notes.

Older white male classical bass singer performs with rich low voice, open mouth, piano accompanist in background.
Etymology
bassoLatinshort, low

The root meaning “short, low” becomes musical lowness: a voice at the bottom of the pitch range. The name of that voice also names the singer who has it.

In context

American Masters PBS20:45
My voice is so low though. I'm a basso profondo, which means like the lowest bass possible.
The Many Passions of Matteo Lane

More examples

  • The score assigns this passage to the basso.
  • Two bassi join the choir for the performance.
  • His powerful basso carries clearly through the hall.

Forms

basso · bassos · bassi

Similar words

bass
The more usual English musical term for the same range.
baritone
Generally a higher male range than basso.