contralto
English
Etymology
Contraction of contratenor alto, from Latin contratenor altus.
Pronunciation
- Rhymes: -æltəʊ
Noun
contralto (plural contraltos or contralti)
- (music) The lowest female voice or voice part, falling between tenor and mezzo-soprano. The terms contralto and alto refer to a similar musical pitch, but among singers, the term contralto is reserved for female singers; the equivalent male form is counter-tenor. Originally the contratenor altus was a high countermelody sung against the tenor or main melody.
Synonyms
Coordinate terms
- (voice types): soprano, mezzo-soprano, contralto (female); countertenor, tenor, baritone, bass (male)
Related terms
Translations
the lowest female voice
Italian
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