Who is a baritone? Who a bass-baritone? Who a bass?

Abstract Voice category is largely determined by the dimensions of the larynx, the construction of the vocal tract, the structure of the respiratory and resonance systems (comprising the nostrils, the nasal cavities, the pharyngeal cavities, the oral cavity, the larynx, the trachea, the bronchi), and by overall body build. Most males are baritones. Tenors and basses are deviations from the norm. Baritones may feel relieved to learn that they are not departures from the standard, but their satisfaction may be short-lived when they recognize that performance competition is greater within the baritone fach than in any other male category. The average male is a potential baritone. In addition to the general SATB (soprano, alto, tenor, bass) designations, every major voice category has its subdivisions. Shades of demarcation among baritones are based on what may at first blush seem to be minimal physical and psychological variants. Lack of recognition of subtle attributes may lead to the establishment of false subcategory designations.