6. “I Dreamed a Dream” from Les Misérables

It is a powerful and emotional ballad reflecting on lost dreams and hardships.

“I Dreamed a Dream” is sung by the character Fantine as she reflects on her past hopes and dreams that the harsh realities of life have shattered.

The song’s poignant lyrics and soaring melody make it a standout piece in the musical, requiring a mezzo-soprano who can convey deep emotion and vulnerability.

It is one of the most iconic songs from Les Misérables, resonating with audiences for its raw depiction of despair and longing.

• Singer: Patti LuPone, among others
• Awards: N/A (musical performance)
• Year released: 1985

7. “Memory” from Cats

It is a poignant and memorable song that has become a classic.

“Memory” is performed by the character Grizabella as she reflects on her past and her desire for acceptance and a better future.

The song’s haunting melody and introspective lyrics require a mezzo-soprano with strong emotional delivery and vocal control.

“Memory” has been covered by numerous artists and remains one of musical theatre’s most recognizable and beloved songs.

• Singer: Elaine Paige, among others
• Awards: N/A (musical performance)
• Year released: 1981

8. “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” from Evita

It is an iconic song that requires strong emotional delivery and vocal control.

“Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” is sung by the character Eva Perón as she addresses the people of Argentina, reflecting on her rise to power and expressing her devotion to them.

The song’s dramatic and powerful melody and heartfelt lyrics make it a centerpiece of the musical Evita.

A mezzo-soprano performing this piece must convey various emotions, from vulnerability to determination.

• Singer: Patti LuPone, among others
• Awards: N/A (musical performance)
• Year released: 1976

9. “Send in the Clowns” from A Little Night Music

It is a reflective and bittersweet song that explores themes of regret and longing.

“Send in the Clowns” is sung by Desirée as she reflects on her life’s missed opportunities and the irony of her current situation.

The song’s lyrical beauty and melancholic tone make it a highlight of the musical A Little Night Music.

It requires a mezzo-soprano with a deep sense of emotional expression and nuance to capture the song’s introspective nature fully.

• Singer: Judi Dench, among others
• Awards: N/A (musical performance)
• Year released: 1973

10. “As Long As He Needs Me” from Oliver!

It is a heartfelt song expressing devotion and inner strength.

The character Nancy performs “As Long As He Needs Me” as she professes her unwavering loyalty and love for Bill Sikes despite his abusive nature.

The song’s dynamic melody and powerful lyrics require a mezzo-soprano who can convey vulnerability and strength.

It is one of the standout songs in the musical Oliver!, showcasing the character’s complex emotions and resilience.

• Singer: Shani Wallis, among others
• Awards: N/A (musical performance)
• Year released: 1960

Jazz/Pop Standards

11. “Summertime” by George Gershwin

A timeless jazz standard that showcases a warm and rich vocal tone.

“Summertime” is a lullaby from Gershwin’s opera Porgy and Bess and has become one of the most covered songs in jazz and popular music.

Its soothing melody and evocative lyrics create a dreamy atmosphere, making it a perfect piece for a mezzo-soprano to showcase their vocal warmth and depth.

The song’s simplicity allows the singer to explore subtle nuances and emotional expression, making each performance unique.

• Singer: Ella Fitzgerald, among others
• Awards: N/A (jazz standard)
• Year released: 1935

12. “Cry Me a River” by Arthur Hamilton

A sultry and emotive song perfect for a mezzo-soprano voice.

“Cry Me a River” became a hit with Julie London’s recording in 1955 and has been covered by many artists.

The song’s bluesy feel and heartbreaking lyrics offer a rich canvas for a mezzo-soprano to convey deep emotion and vulnerability.

Its slow tempo and intimate arrangement allow for a powerful and personal interpretation, making it a standout in any repertoire.

• Singer: Julie London, among others
• Awards: N/A (jazz standard)
• Year released: 1955

13. “At Last” by Etta James

A classic love song that highlights the depth and richness of the mezzo-soprano voice.

“At Last” was famously recorded by Etta James in 1960 and has since become an enduring symbol of romance and passion.

The song’s sweeping melody and heartfelt lyrics allow a mezzo-soprano to demonstrate their vocal power and emotional range.

“At Last” is often performed at weddings and special occasions, showcasing the singer’s ability to connect with listeners profoundly.

• Singer: Etta James
• Awards: Grammy Hall of Fame
• Year released: 1960

14. “Someone to Watch Over Me” by George Gershwin

It is a beautiful, yearning song that suits a mezzo-soprano’s smooth vocal quality.

“Someone to Watch Over Me” is a standard from the Gershwin brothers’ songbook and has been performed by numerous artists since its debut in the 1926 musical Oh, Kay!

The song’s tender melody and lyrics express a longing for love and protection, allowing the singer to showcase their lyrical phrasing and emotional depth.

Its timeless appeal makes it a favorite in both jazz and classical repertoires.

• Singer: Ella Fitzgerald, among others
• Awards: N/A (jazz standard)
• Year released: 1926

15. “The Man I Love” by George Gershwin

A romantic standard that allows for expressive and heartfelt singing.

“The Man I Love” was composed by George Gershwin with lyrics by Ira Gershwin and has been recorded by many renowned artists.

The song’s dreamy melody and poignant lyrics speak of longing and hope, providing a perfect platform for a mezzo-soprano to display their expressive capabilities.

Its blend of jazz and classical elements makes it a versatile piece that can be adapted to various musical styles.

• Singer: Billie Holiday, among others
• Awards: N/A (jazz standard)
• Year released: 1927

Contemporary/Pop

16. “Rolling in the Deep” by Adele

It is a powerful song that showcases a mezzo-soprano’s strength and range.

“Rolling in the Deep” is one of Adele’s most iconic hits, known for its intense emotional delivery and powerful vocal performance.

The song combines blues, pop, and soul elements, allowing a mezzo-soprano to demonstrate their dynamic range and vocal resilience.

Its driving beat and heartfelt lyrics create a compelling piece that resonates deeply with audiences.

• Singer: Adele
• Awards: Grammy Award for Record of the Year
• Year released: 2010

17. “Set Fire to the Rain” by Adele

“Set Fire to the Rain” is characterized by its dramatic lyrics and sweeping melody, which allow a mezzo-soprano to convey intense emotion and vulnerability.

The song’s powerful chorus and intricate vocal runs showcase the singer’s technical skill and emotional expression, making it a standout piece in contemporary pop music.

• Singer: Adele
• Awards: Grammy Award for Best Pop Solo Performance
• Year released: 2011

18. “Jar of Hearts” by Christina Perri

It is a dramatic song that suits the mezzo-soprano’s expressive capabilities.

“Jar of Hearts” gained widespread acclaim for its haunting melody and poignant lyrics, telling the story of heartbreak and betrayal.

The song’s emotional intensity and powerful vocal delivery make it a perfect fit for a mezzo-soprano, allowing them to explore deep, raw emotions and showcase their vocal range.

Its minimalist arrangement emphasizes the vocal performance, highlighting the singer’s expressive abilities.

• Singer: Christina Perri
• Awards: N/A
• Year released: 2010

19. “Someone Like You” by Adele

It is a heartfelt ballad that allows for emotional expression and vocal control.

“Someone Like You” is a poignant song about love and loss, characterized by its simple piano accompaniment and Adele’s powerful vocal performance.

The song’s stripped-down arrangement and emotional lyrics provide a mezzo-soprano with the perfect platform to showcase their vocal control and expressive depth.

Its raw honesty and vulnerability make it a deeply moving piece that resonates with listeners.

• Singer: Adele
• Awards: Grammy Award for Best Pop Solo Performance
• Year released: 2011

20. “Back to Black” by Amy Winehouse

A soulful song that suits a mezzo-soprano’s rich tone. “Back to Black” is one of Amy Winehouse’s most famous songs, known for its deep, soulful sound and introspective lyrics.

The song’s retro-inspired production and Winehouse’s unique vocal style create a rich, textured piece that allows a mezzo-soprano to showcase their vocal warmth and depth.

Its melancholic themes and expressive melody make it a powerful and evocative performance piece.

• Singer: Amy Winehouse
• Awards: N/A
• Year released: 2006

Folk/Traditional

21. “Scarborough Fair” (Traditional)

A hauntingly beautiful folk song that suits the mezzo-soprano range, “Scarborough Fair” is a traditional English ballad about a man giving a series of impossible tasks to his former lover.

The song’s minor key and lyrical melody create a gloomy atmosphere, perfect for a mezzo-soprano’s rich and expressive voice.

Its timeless appeal and evocative lyrics allow the singer to explore deep emotional nuances and deliver a captivating performance.

• Singer: Sarah Brightman, among others
• Awards: N/A (traditional folk song)
• Year released: Traditional

22. “The Water is Wide” (Traditional)

A traditional song that highlights the mezzo-soprano’s lyrical quality.

“The Water is Wide” is a folk song of Scottish origin, known for its beautiful, flowing melody and poignant lyrics.

The song speaks of love and longing, with the wide water symbolizing the emotional and physical distances that lovers must overcome.

The simplicity and elegance of the melody make it an ideal piece for a mezzo-soprano, allowing the singer to showcase their lyrical phrasing and emotional expression.

• Singer: Charlotte Church, among others
• Awards: N/A (traditional folk song)
• Year released: Traditional

23. “Danny Boy” (Traditional)

A classic folk song that allows for expressive and emotive singing.

“Danny Boy” is an Irish ballad that has become one of the most beloved and performed folk songs.

The song’s poignant lyrics, set to the tune of “Londonderry Air,” speak of a parent’s love and longing for their child.

Its simple yet powerful melody provides a perfect canvas for a mezzo-soprano to convey deep emotion and tenderness, making it a favorite in folk and classical repertoires.

• Singer: Eva Cassidy, among others
• Awards: N/A (traditional folk song)
• Year released: Traditional

24. “Shenandoah” (Traditional)

A song that showcases the warm and rich quality of the mezzo-soprano voice.

“Shenandoah” is a traditional American folk song about a trader’s love for a Native American chief’s daughter.

The song’s flowing melody and evocative lyrics create a sense of longing and nostalgia, making it a perfect piece for a mezzo-soprano.

Its simple yet powerful melody allows the singer to showcase their vocal warmth and depth, creating a deeply moving performance.

• Singer: Judy Collins, among others
• Awards: N/A (traditional folk song)
• Year released: Traditional

25. “Greensleeves” (Traditional)

It is a timeless folk song perfect for a mezzo-soprano’s range and tone.

“Greensleeves” is an English folk song that has been cherished for centuries.

Its beautiful, flowing melody and poignant lyrics express love and longing, making it perfect for a mezzo-soprano.

The song’s simplicity and elegance allow the singer to focus on emotional expression and vocal tone, creating a captivating performance that resonates with audiences.

• Singer: Loreena McKennitt, among others
• Awards: N/A (traditional folk song)
• Year released: Traditional

Crossover/Classical Crossover

26. “Time to Say Goodbye” by Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli

This beautiful duet suits a mezzo-soprano’s voice alongside a tenor.

“Time to Say Goodbye” (Con te partirò) is a poignant and powerful piece that has captivated audiences worldwide.

Brightman’s ethereal mezzo-soprano and Bocelli’s rich tenor create stunning harmony that enhances the song’s emotional depth.

The sweeping orchestration and heartfelt lyrics make it a perfect showcase for the mezzo-soprano’s ability to blend seamlessly with a tenor, delivering a powerful and deeply moving performance.

• Singer: Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli
• Awards: Echo Award for Best Single of the Year
• Year released: 1995

27. “Pie Jesu” by Andrew Lloyd Webber

It is a beautiful, lyrical piece that highlights the mezzo-soprano’s purity of tone.

“Pie Jesu” is part of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Requiem and has become one of the most beloved pieces in the classical crossover genre.

The composition requires a mezzo-soprano with a clear, pure tone to deliver its gentle, prayerful melody.

The piece’s simplicity and beauty allow the singer to focus on vocal purity and emotional expression, making it a standout in any repertoire.

• Singer: Sarah Brightman, among others
• Awards: Grammy Award for Best Classical Contemporary Composition
• Year released: 1985

28. “Nella Fantasia” by Ennio Morricone

It is a hauntingly beautiful song that suits a mezzo-soprano’s expressive voice. “Nella Fantasia” is based on the theme from Morricone’s score for the film The Mission.

The song’s lyrics express a vision of a world filled with peace and harmony, and its soaring melody provides a perfect platform for a mezzo-soprano to showcase their expressive capabilities.

The piece’s emotional depth and haunting beauty make it a favorite among singers and audiences alike.

• Singer: Sarah Brightman, among others
• Awards: N/A
• Year released: 1998

29. “The Prayer” by Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli

It is a powerful duet that showcases the mezzo-soprano’s range and emotional delivery. “The Prayer” is a beautiful song combining classical and pop music elements.

The duet requires both singers to demonstrate strong vocal control and emotional depth.

The mezzo-soprano part, typically sung by Celine Dion, demands a warm, rich tone and the ability to convey profound emotion.

The harmony between the mezzo-soprano and tenor creates a powerful and moving performance that resonates with listeners.

• Singer: Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli
• Awards: Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song
• Year released: 1999

30. “You Raise Me” by Josh Groban

It is a contemporary classic that allows for expressive and powerful singing.

“You Raise Me Up” is a song many artists cover, but Josh Groban’s version is particularly well-known.

The song’s inspirational lyrics and soaring melody provide a perfect platform for a mezzo-soprano to showcase their vocal power and emotional expression.

The piece builds to a powerful climax, allowing the singer to demonstrate their range and ability to convey uplifting and heartfelt emotions.

• Singer: Josh Groban, among others
• Awards: N/A
• Year released: 2003

Conclusion

With this curated collection, we’ve explored 30 of the most mesmerizing and powerful mezzo-soprano performances ever recorded.

From beloved arias to contemporary gems, these songs showcase the incredible emotional depth and tonal richness that make this vocal range captivating.

For longtime opera fans, revisiting these classics can rekindle your passion for the art form.

And if you’re new to mezzo-sopranos, let this list serve as your gateway into an endlessly rewarding musical world.

No matter where you fall on the spectrum, immersing yourself in these transcendent vocals will stir your soul.

What’s your personal favorite from the list? Leave a comment and share your thoughts on the majesty of the mezzo-soprano voice.