A type of tenor voice which hearkens back to the golden age of Wagnerian singing. The typical heldentenor has an unusually brilliant top register combined with a muscular lower voice, almost like a baritone, and is capable of long passages that require great vocal stamina. Tristan and Siegfried are notable heldentenor roles. One of the great heldentenors of the twentieth century was Lauritz Melchior.

A heldentenor has a wonderful set of high notes combined with a strong lower voice, almost like a baritone. Is also capable of performing long passages, which require good vocal stamina.

the type of singer all choirs are embarrassed to have; he sings only a few high notes, always longer and later than everyone else