Passaggio

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Passaggio is a term used in classical singing to describe the pitch ranges in which vocal registration events occur. Beneath passagio is often called "Full Voice", where an untrained singer can produce a powerful sound, and above it lies the head voice, where a powerful and resonant sound is accessible only with the utmost training. The prominent Italian/international school of voice describes a primo passaggio and a secondo passaggio in both the male and female voice. A major goal of classical voice training is to maintain an even timbre throughout the passaggio. It is generally regarded to be the most difficult register for a singer to sing, as the muscle position is very exerting. However, through proper training, it is possible to produce a resonant and powerful sound.

The term was used as the title for a piece of music by Luciano Berio for soprano, two choirs and ensemble; see Passaggio (Berio).

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