Classical singing is a more general term that refers to any type of singing that uses a traditional vocal technique. This includes singing in a choir, a church, or as a soloist. Classical singers are trained to produce a clear, pure tone that is free from vibrato.
Opera singing, on the other hand, is a more specific type of singing that is used in operas. Opera singers are trained to produce a powerful, dramatic sound that can project over an orchestra. They also use a wider range of vocal techniques, including vibrato, ornamentation, and recitative.
In addition to these technical differences, opera singing and classical singing also have different performance requirements. Opera singers are required to act and sing at the same time, and they must be able to project their voices over a large space. Classical singers, on the other hand, may not be required to act, and they may not need to project their voices as much.
Here is a table summarizing the key differences between opera singing and classical singing:
| Feature | Opera Singing | Classical Singing |
|---|---|---|
| Technique | Powerful, dramatic sound; wide range of vocal techniques | Clear, pure tone; focus on pitch and intonation |
| Performance requirements | Must act and sing at the same time; must be able to project voice | May not be required to act; may not need to project voice as much |
| Common settings | Operas | Choirs, churches, solo recitals |
Overall, opera singing and classical singing are two distinct types of singing that have different technical and performance requirements.