some vocal critics say that norman was not a dramatic soprano, but rather had a rare soprano voice type known as a falcon. the falcon voice is close to a mezzo-soprano timbre, but closer to a dramatic soprano tessitura. the term "falcon roles" specifically refers to parts written for sopranos instead of mezzos, as was the case with cornelie falcon after whom the voice type is named. the roles are thus often sung by lyric mezzos. this mix of sound is why many fans, conductors, and critics unhesitatingly refer to her as a soprano or a mezzo. at age 23, when asked by an interviewer in germany how she would characterize her voice, she replied that "pigeonholes are only comfortable for pigeons."