demanding tenor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "demanding tenor" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a tone or manner that is assertive or requires a high level of attention or effort, often in a formal or artistic context. Example: "The demanding tenor of the director's vision pushed the actors to deliver their best performances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Mr. Domingo, at 63, is the incontestable champion on that score, still juggling some of the most demanding tenor roles with conducting gigs and the general directorships of not only the Washington National Opera but also the Los Angeles Opera.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

As well as being the most exceptional and in-demand tenor, he is also the most absurdly handsome.

The Guardian - Music

So the role demands a tenor who can convey youthful restlessness through burnished, healthy and agile singing.

The New York Times - Arts

No one at the time would have guessed that 10 years later, at 60, Mr. Domingo would still be singing the demanding German dramatic tenor role, let alone singing it as well as he is in the Met's current revival.

The New York Times

The Otello was the veteran American tenor Clifton Forbis, who of late has been putting his voice through a demanding run of heroic tenor roles, including Tristan.

The New York Times - Arts

One of the main reasons the Metropolitan Opera decided to present a new production of Wagner's "Tristan und Isolde" in 1999 was that for the first time in a long while two singers had come along who could stake legitimate claims to the notoriously demanding title roles: the tenor Ben Heppner and the soprano Jane Eaglen.

The New York Times - Arts

The central work, Benjamin Britten's Serenade for Tenor, Horns and Strings, written for his lover, tenor Peter Peers, presents demanding seven-song cycle with texts from English poets.

Huffington Post

Verdi's monumental and profound opera "Don Carlo" requires a clarion-voiced and tireless tenor for the demanding title role.

The New York Times - Arts

Without that star tenor in the demanding title role, and without James Levine conducting, the Met would not have taken a risk on the work, which had a dismal reception at its 1850 premiere in Trieste, Italy.

The New York Times - Arts

The language of The Book with Seven Seals is founded upon the language of Wagner: the swinging, bell-like melodies that begin and end the work could have come straight out of The Mastersingers; the numinous aura that surrounds Christ's words is translated from Parsifal, the narrations of St John himself constitute a tenor role as demanding and expressive as almost anything in The Ring.

The Guardian

Here too there are demanding roles for soprano (Seraph) and tenor; and there are male choruses (disciples or soldiers) as well as mixed choruses.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an opera or musical piece, use "demanding tenor" to accurately convey the vocal and dramatic challenges the tenor faces in their role. This suggests a high level of skill and stamina is required.

Common error

Avoid using "demanding tenor" to describe the personal behavior of a tenor; it refers to the requirements of the role, not the performer's personality. Instead, focus on the specific vocal challenges.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "demanding tenor" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying the noun "tenor". It describes a tenor role or performance that requires significant skill, effort, and vocal range. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "demanding tenor" accurately describes a tenor role that requires significant vocal and dramatic skill. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media, the phrase effectively communicates the challenges associated with performing rigorous operatic roles. While alternatives like "challenging tenor role" exist, "demanding tenor" succinctly conveys the rigor involved. It's crucial to use the phrase accurately, referring to the role's difficulty rather than the performer's personal traits. Its usage reflects a neutral to formal register, aligning with artistic criticism and appreciation. The phrase is more frequent in news and media contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging tenor role

Focuses on the difficulty of the role rather than the tenor's inherent qualities.

vocally taxing tenor

Emphasizes the vocal strain involved for the tenor.

arduous tenor part

Highlights the laboriousness of the tenor's contribution.

difficult tenor passage

Refers to a specific section rather than the overall role.

rigorous tenor performance

Stresses the precision and discipline required.

exacting tenor role

Implies a high standard of performance.

strenuous tenor part

Highlights the physical exertion required.

testing tenor performance

Suggests an evaluation of the tenor's abilities.

laborious tenor part

Focuses on the effort and work put in by the tenor.

heroic tenor demands

Refers to the qualities and vocal power needed for heroic roles.

FAQs

How can I use "demanding tenor" in a sentence?

You might say, "The opera features a particularly "demanding tenor" role that tests the singer's vocal range and acting ability."

What are some alternatives to "demanding tenor"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "challenging tenor role", "vocally taxing tenor", or "arduous tenor part".

Is it appropriate to use "demanding tenor" in a non-musical context?

While primarily used in the context of opera and classical music, "demanding" can describe anything requiring significant effort. However, applying it to a "tenor" outside music might cause confusion.

What makes a tenor role "demanding"?

A "demanding tenor" role often requires a wide vocal range, exceptional breath control, dramatic acting ability, and the stamina to perform challenging passages over an extended period.