Sopranos are typically divided into two subgroups: coloratura soprano and lyrical soprano. Coloratura sopranos are known for their agility and ability to sing rapid, elaborate vocal passages, while lyrical sopranos have a warmer and more expressive tone, often best suited for roles that require emotional depth and dramatic expression.
In a choir, sopranos usually sing the highest harmony or melody line. They often have the most prominent and ornamented parts, as their voices can carry over the other sections and create a sense of lightness and brightness in the overall sound of the choir. Soprano parts can vary in difficulty and range, from relatively simple melodies to highly demanding and virtuosic passages that require vocal expertise.
It's important to note that the term "soprano" is primarily used in classical music, opera, and choir settings, and may not necessarily apply in other musical genres or contexts.