Contralto Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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contralto
[kษnหtrรฆltoส ]
Definition
music
A contralto is the lowest female singing voice, with a range typically extending from the F below middle C to the second D above middle C. Contraltos are known for their rich, deep, and velvety tones.
Synonyms
alto, deep voice, mezzo-soprano.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| contralto |
Used in classical music or opera to refer to the deepest female singing voice. It's often characterized by a rich, full tone.
|
| alto |
Used to describe a voice range that is lower than a soprano but higher than a contralto. It can refer to both female and young male voices.
|
| mezzo-soprano |
Used in classical music or opera to describe a female voice that is lower than a soprano but higher than an alto. It often has a warm and rich timbre.
|
| deep voice |
Used more generally to describe any voice that has a lower pitch, not specific to gender or musical context. Can be used outside of musical contexts.
|
Examples of usage
- She has a beautiful contralto voice that captivates the audience.
- The contralto singer impressed everyone with her powerful performance.
- Her contralto range allows her to sing both alto and mezzo-soprano pieces.
- The contralto section of the choir adds a unique depth to the harmonies.
- In opera, contraltos often portray strong and dramatic female characters.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Music Theory
- Contralto voices typically range from approximately E3 to E5, making them the lowest female voice type.
- This voice type often performs roles in operas that require a rich, deep sound, allowing them to convey emotion powerfully.
Famous Contraltos
- Notable contraltos include Marian Anderson, who was celebrated for her powerful performances and contributions to civil rights.
- Alfred Deller was a famous male contralto and the first male singer to gain significant acclaim for this voice type, especially in early music.
Cultural Impact
- The popularity of the contralto voice can be seen in various musical genres, including opera, jazz, and pop.
- Many songs and arias highlight the unique depth of contralto voices, challenging gender norms in vocal range and expression.
Training and Technique
- Training a contralto often emphasizes developing the lower vocal register, focusing on warm-ups suitable for deeper tones.
- Unlike higher voice types, contraltos may face challenges in repertoire selection due to the limited number of roles and songs written for deeper voices.
Origin of 'contralto'
Main points about word origin
- Originates from the Latin phrase 'contraltus,' meaning 'sung against,' referring to its position against higher voice types.
- The term was first used during the Renaissance to describe male singers who sang in a low range, before shifting focus to female singers.
The term 'contralto' originates from Italian, where 'contra' means against and 'alto' refers to high. Contralto voices were historically associated with male castrati singers before the practice was banned. Today, contraltos are highly valued for their unique timbre and are prominent in various music genres.