The vocal purity, natural charm and virtuosity of the sopranos contributed to their status as the leading singers (or “prima donnas”) of 19th-century opera houses. The bright colours and agility of the female voice’s highest register, combined with a singer’s ability to convey emotions from bliss to rage, have made it a favourite of composers of opera and song. Different types of soprano voices include coloratura (with an extended and agile upper range), lyric and dramatic.