What is a Wagnerian Soprano? Is it similar to a Coloratura?
No, exactly the opposite: coloratura’s usually have light, very flexible voices and a greater range than the dramatic. Most if not all of the Wagnerian soprano roles requires the power, stamina and strength of a dramatic soprano. No coloratura soprano in her right mind would even attempt one; the primary reason is because of the huge and heavily scored orchestra parts. One might say, that Wagner looked upon the human voice as just another instrument of the orchestra: many excerpts from his operas(music-dramas he preferred to call them)are regularly performed in concerts with an instrument(or section)subbing the vocal lines. There are a few – very rare – singers who could perform in either of the so designated vocal roles.
