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heldentenor

noun, often capitalized
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hel·​den·​te·​nor | \ ˈhel-dən-ˌtā-ˌnȯr How to pronounce heldentenor (audio) , -ˌte-nər How to pronounce heldentenor (audio) \

Definition of heldentenor

: a tenor with a powerful, dramatic voice well suited to heroic roles (as in Wagnerian operas)

Examples of heldentenor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Her Florestan was the heldentenor Ben Heppner, at his best. — Anthony Tommasini, New York Times, "Review: Spruce and Taut, the Met Opera’s ‘Fidelio’ Looks Good at 17," 17 Mar. 2017 As Rodolfo, Carreras was first-rate, his heldentenor voice enhanced by an impressive range of tonal color. — Special To The Plain Dealer, cleveland.com, "The Cleveland Opera mounts felicitous, understated 'La Boheme' (review)," 13 June 2017 Klaus Florian Vogt, singing the title role for the first time, united his pure, boyish tone with heldentenor weight. — Zachary Woolfe, New York Times, "Review: Opera Lovers, Make a Pilgrimage to Munich for ‘Tannhäuser’," 23 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'heldentenor.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of heldentenor

circa 1903, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for heldentenor

German, from Held hero + Tenor tenor

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Time Traveler for heldentenor

Time Traveler

The first known use of heldentenor was circa 1903

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Cite this Entry

“Heldentenor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heldentenor. Accessed 27 Feb. 2021.

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