What's the difference between different voice editions of classical songs?

Question

Aside from opera arias being written for a specific voice type (eg the famous Laughing Song is for soprano), I don't see what's the big deal about 'high voice', 'middle voice' and 'low voice' editions of Lieder, or art songs. It seems that it's just the range which is different: the 'middle voice' songs are usually lower than the 'high voice' ones by a tone, while the 'low voice' ones are lower by either a minor 3rd or two tones.

Answer 1

This is to help different types of people find something in their range. Otherwise they may have to have it transposed. Even a half tone can make a difference when you have to hit the high note.

Answer 2

sometimes the classics were written for the person who was

in town to sing it - was it an alto or a mezzo

or a sky high soprano

just like some of the wierd arrangements

2 violins 1 viola 1 cello

and the next

1 violin 1 viola 1 cello and 1 bass

depended on who was there to play it

why write for those who were on vacation?

Bach wrote a fresh music service EVERY week

(well he did cheat - but essentially - they were new pieces)

for his church

and go back and look at Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra

they sing in nearly the same key every time

all the best