Chiaroscuro (music)

Chiaroscuro (lit. Italian for "light-dark") is part of bel canto classical singing technique, originating in Italy, in which a brilliant sound referred to as squillo is coupled with the dark timbre produced in the singer's natural hollows and cavities. 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 within the actual mouth to provide a unique balance between light and dark (space and brightness).