Alto
volume
British pronunciation/ˈæltə‍ʊ/
American pronunciation/ˈæɫtoʊ/

Definition & Meaning of "alto"

Alto
01

the lower register of the female voice, known for its warm and rich timbre

What is "alto"?

Alto is a type of female singing voice with a lower pitch range than soprano but higher than contralto. It is characterized by a rich, warm tone and covers notes from the middle part of the vocal spectrum. Alto voices are often used for roles that require a strong, resonant sound with both lyrical and dramatic qualities. This voice type is commonly featured in opera, choral music, and other vocal performances and can portray a range of characters, from supporting roles to more prominent figures.

02

a mid-sized instrument positioned between smaller and larger counterparts in terms of pitch and size

What is an "alto"?

An alto is a musical instrument that is positioned between the smaller, higher-pitched instruments and the larger, lower-pitched ones. It is designed to produce a range of notes that fall in the middle, making it suitable for various musical roles. For example, in a family of instruments like the saxophone or clarinet, the alto version provides a balance of pitch and size, bridging the gap between the higher and lower members of the family.

03

the lowest female singing voice

04

the highest adult male singing voice

05

a male singer with the highest adult male voice or a female singer with the lowest female voice

Who is an "alto"?

An alto is a male singer with a high-pitched voice or a female singer with a low-pitched voice. In choral music, the alto voice is typically situated between the soprano and tenor ranges. For males, it is the highest range among adult male voices, while for females, it is the lowest range in their vocal spectrum. Altos often sing harmonies and provide depth in both choral settings and solo performances, contributing to the overall richness of the music.

01

(of a musical instrument) second highest member of a group

02

of or being the highest male voice; having a range above that of tenor

03

of or being the lowest female voice

alto

n

altoist

n

altoist

n
example
Example
Her alto complemented the higher voices beautifully.
Resonating beautifully in the acoustics of the cathedral, the alto enriched the overall sound.
Adding richness to the orchestra's performance was the alto of the string section.
With its velvety resonance, the alto of the symphony orchestra added warmth to the orchestral arrangement.
The alto of the ensemble provided a solid foundation with its warm and velvety sound.
download-mobile-app
Download Our Mobile App
Langeek Mobile Application
Download the application
LanGeek
Download LanGeek app
langeek application

Download Mobile App

stars

app store