Chiaroscuro (music)

Chiaroscuro (Italian for "light-dark") is part of bel canto an originally Italian classical singing technique in which a brilliant sound referred to as squillo is coupled with a dark timbre called scuro, which is often perceived as having great depth or warmth. Chiaroscuro is commonly used in opera. Within operatic singing, especially in Italian, the vowel "Ah" is a perfect example of where chiaroscuro can be used. When singing "Ah" it must have a bright Italian "Ah", while at the same time having depth and space in the tone, achieved through the use of breath and the body.

Breathing in bel canto music is integral to the singer. He/she must employ the diaphragm by dropping the body down, and expanding the lower abdominal area. To achieve the bright squillo, one must stretch back the mask and raise one's cheek bones, as not to engage the face, jaw, or tongue. This brightness has a ringing, small, and bright tone akin to a trumpet. It is balanced out with the dark scuro. The final tone is a full, rich, vibrating timbre.