Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Contralto
Con-tral′to
(? or [GREEK])
, Noun.
(Mus.)
(a)
The part sung by the highest male or lowest female voices; the alto or counter tenor.
(b)
the voice or singer performing this part;
as, her voice is a
. contralto
; she is a contralto
☞ The usual range of the contralto voice is from G, below middle C, to the C above that; though exceptionally it embraces two octaves.
Con-tral′to
(? or [GREEK])
, Adj.
(Mus.)
Of or pertaining to a contralto, or to the part in music called contralto;
as, a
. contralto
voiceDefinition 2024
contralto
contralto
English
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)
Translations
the lowest female voice
Related terms
Italian
Etymology
Noun
contralto m (plural contralti)
- contralto (female)
- counter-tenor (male)