noun / adjective
alto
AL-toh/ˈæltəʊ/
A musical register between soprano and tenor.
The alto sings the harmony below the soprano melody.
Etymology
The meaning “high” originally described a man's voice above the tenor, which carried the melody. The name later extended to the lower range of women's voices and to singers in that range.
In context
alto singers in contemporary or musical theater music. In contemporary music, I would probably think of the singers Lana Del Rey, Lorde and Amy Winehouse. They all have really low tones in their singing
More examples
- The choir needs two more altos.
- He switches from tenor saxophone to alto for the solo.
- The arrangement includes a prominent alto part.
Forms
alto · altos
Similar words
- contralto
- More specifically names the lowest customary female vocal range.
- mezzo-soprano
- Generally lies higher than the alto range.