Voice

As Printed on a Score

Labels a vocal staff in English scores (Voice, or the voice type — Soprano, Tenor) on the first system; in songs, later systems are usually unlabelled. In a direction the word describes vocal manner rather than naming a part, as in Warlock’s “the voice murmuring to itself”.

Also spelled: Vocals, Voices

How Composers Use It

Writing for voice means writing for words and breath: set syllables where they fall in speech, keep phrases within a breath, and mind the register changes. Specify the voice type when range matters, since a song for “voice” can be sung by anyone in a suitable key. Use treble clef for women and tenors (with the octave-down sign), bass clef for baritones and basses.

Example

Warlock, Saudades, “Heracleitus”, voice, m. 1: “tempo very free - the voice murmuring to itself”, printed with the heading “Slow” — a direction to the singer, not a staff label.

Related Terms