Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'soprano'

English Word: soprano

Key Russian Translations:

• сопрано [sɐˈpranə] - [Formal, Music terminology; used in professional or classical music contexts]

Frequency: Low (This term is specialized and primarily appears in music-related discussions, not everyday conversation.)

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1-B2 on the CEFR scale; requires basic knowledge of music terminology and Russian noun forms.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

сопрано: [sɐˈpranə]

Note on сопрано: The stress falls on the second syllable (ˈpranə). Pronunciation may vary slightly in regional dialects, but this is the standard Moscow-based variant. Pay attention to the soft 'р' sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A female singer with the highest vocal range in music, often in opera or classical settings.

Translation(s) & Context:

• сопрано - Used in formal music contexts, such as opera houses or classical performances, to refer to the singer or the vocal part.

Usage Examples:

• Она выступает как ведущая сопрано в Большом театре.

  She performs as the lead soprano in the Bolshoi Theater.

• Сопрано в этой опере исполняет арии с высоким мастерством.

  The soprano in this opera performs arias with high mastery.

• Молодой сопрано дебютировала на международном фестивале.

  The young soprano made her debut at an international festival.

• В хоре сопрано поёт самые высокие ноты.

  In the choir, the soprano sings the highest notes.

• Известная сопрано записала альбом классических произведений.

  The famous soprano recorded an album of classical works.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"сопрано" is a neuter noun borrowed from Italian, and it generally does not inflect in modern Russian due to its status as an unadapted foreign word. It remains unchanged in most cases, which is common for technical terms in music.

However, if used in a sentence, it may appear in different contexts without alteration:

Note: As an uninflected noun, it simplifies usage for learners, but always check context for any rare adaptations.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • высокий голос (high voice) - More descriptive, used in general music discussions.
  • сопрановый голос (soprano voice) - Emphasizes the vocal quality, with subtle differences in formality.
• Antonyms:
  • бас (bass) - Refers to the lowest male vocal range.
  • меццо-сопрано (mezzo-soprano) - A lower female range, contrasting with the higher soprano.

Related Phrases:

• Опера soprano - A soprano in opera; refers to a lead role in operatic performances. (Common in classical music contexts.)
• Сопрано партия - Soprano part; used when discussing sheet music or roles in a choir.
• Известная сопрано - Famous soprano; often used in biographical or review contexts.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "сопрано" directly corresponds to the English "soprano" and is used almost exclusively in formal or professional music settings, such as opera, choirs, or music education. It is a neuter noun and does not change form in most cases, making it easier for English speakers to adopt. When choosing between translations like "сопрано" and "высокий голос," opt for "сопрано" in technical discussions to maintain precision. Be mindful of cultural contexts, as Russian music traditions (e.g., in the Bolshoi Theater) often elevate sopranos in classical works. Avoid using it in casual conversation, as it may sound overly formal.

• Grammar tip: It can be preceded by adjectives, e.g., "великая сопрано" (great soprano), without altering its form.
• Context guide: In everyday Russian, people might explain it as "женский голос с высоким диапазоном" if the audience is unfamiliar with music terms.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "сопрано" with "меццо-сопрано" and using it interchangeably. Incorrect: "Она поёт меццо, но я сказал сопрано." (She sings mezzo, but I said soprano.)

  Correct: "Она поёт сопрано, а не меццо." (She sings soprano, not mezzo.) Explanation: "Сопрано" specifically denotes the highest range; mixing it up can lead to misunderstandings in music critiques. Always check the vocal range first.

• Error: Attempting to inflect "сопрано" as if it were a regular Russian noun, e.g., saying "сопранои" in genitive form. Incorrect: "Голоса сопранои."

  Correct: "Голоса сопрано." Explanation: As a foreign borrowing, it remains unchanged; forcing inflection sounds unnatural and is a common mistake for learners from inflected languages.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "сопрано" holds significant prestige, often associated with iconic figures like Anna Netrebko or historical divas in the Bolshoi Theater. It embodies the romanticism of Russian opera, influenced by composers like Tchaikovsky, where sopranos frequently portray heroic or emotional leads. This term reflects Russia's rich musical heritage, dating back to the 19th century, and is tied to national pride in classical arts.

Related Concepts:

• меццо-сопрано
• тенор
• бас
• альт