Contralto: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ถ
contralto
[ kษnหtrรฆltoส ]
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
Translations of the word "contralto" in other languages:
๐ต๐น contralto
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเฅเคจเฅเคเฅเคฐเคพเคฒเฅเคเฅ
๐ฉ๐ช Alt
๐ฎ๐ฉ kontralto
๐บ๐ฆ ะบะพะฝััะฐะปััะพ
๐ต๐ฑ kontralt
๐ฏ๐ต ใณใณใใฉใซใ
๐ซ๐ท contralto
๐ช๐ธ contralto
๐น๐ท kontralto
๐ฐ๐ท ์ฝํธ๋ํ
๐ธ๐ฆ ูููุชุฑุงูุชู
๐จ๐ฟ kontralt
๐ธ๐ฐ kontralt
๐จ๐ณ ๅฅณไฝ้ณ (nวdฤซyฤซn)
๐ธ๐ฎ kontralt
๐ฎ๐ธ kontralt
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะบะพะฝััะฐะปััะพ
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแขแ แแแขแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ kontralto
๐ฒ๐ฝ contralto
Etymology
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.