Countertenor: meaning, definitions and examples

๐ŸŽค
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countertenor

 

[ kaสŠnหˆtษ›nษ™ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

music

A countertenor is a male singer who sings in a falsetto voice, typically in the alto or soprano range. Countertenors are known for their unique vocal range and ability to sing in a high register.

Synonyms

falsettist, male alto, male soprano.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
countertenor

This is a duplicate term here but has the same usage.

  • The countertenor's voice soared above the rest of the choir.
male alto

Refers to a male singer whose voice is similar to the alto range, often used in choirs and classical music. This term is less specific and more general compared to 'countertenor.'

  • The choir director praised the male alto for his flawless performance.
  • Several male altos were auditioning for the same part.
male soprano

Describes a male singer who can sing in the soprano range, which is usually higher than the usual alto or tenor ranges. This term is rare and often used in specialized classical or early music contexts.

  • His talent as a male soprano was evident from a young age.
  • The male soprano's voice was both powerful and delicate.
falsettist

Describes a male singer who often uses a falsetto voice, which is a higher register different from his normal voice. Common in various music genres, including pop and rock.

  • His career as a falsettist helped him stand out in the band.
  • The falsettist reached notes that seemed impossible.

Examples of usage

  • He is a talented countertenor who can reach incredible high notes.
  • The countertenor's performance was mesmerizing and haunting.
  • The countertenor's voice soared effortlessly above the orchestra.
  • The countertenor's falsetto added a beautiful ethereal quality to the music.
  • The countertenor's aria left the audience in awe of his vocal prowess.

Translations

Translations of the word "countertenor" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น contratenor

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค•เคพเค‰เค‚เคŸเคฐเคŸเฅ‡เคจเคฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Countertenor

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ kontratenor

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะบะพะฝั‚ั€ะฐั‚ะตะฝะพั€

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ kontratenor

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ซใ‚ฆใƒณใ‚ฟใƒผใƒ†ใƒŠใƒผ (kauntฤtenฤ)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท contre-tรฉnor

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ contratenor

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท kontrtenor

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์นด์šดํ„ฐํ…Œ๋„ˆ (kaunteoteneo)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ูƒูˆู†ุชุฑุชูŠู†ูˆุฑ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ kontratenor

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ kontratenor

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅ็”ท้ซ˜้Ÿณ (fวŽn nรกn gฤo yฤซn)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ kontratenor

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ kontratenรณr

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะบะพะฝั‚ั€ะฐั‚ะตะฝะพั€

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ™แƒแƒœแƒขแƒ แƒขแƒ”แƒœแƒแƒ แƒ˜ (kontrtenori)

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ kontratenor

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ contratenor

Etymology

The term countertenor dates back to the 16th century, where it was used to describe a high male voice in choral music. Countertenors were particularly popular in the Baroque period, singing roles originally intended for castrati. Over the centuries, the countertenor voice has evolved and gained recognition as a distinct vocal type, prized for its unique timbre and agility.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,244, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.