al
to
Plural
altos
1
the lower register of the female voice, known for its warm and rich timbre
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.
- Her alto complemented the higher voices beautifully.
- 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.
- 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.
2
a mid-sized instrument positioned between smaller and larger counterparts in terms of pitch and size
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.
- The alto saxophone's smooth and soulful sound filled the jazz club with its rich tones.
- In the orchestra, the alto flute's mellow timbre added depth and warmth to the ensemble's overall sound.
- The viola, as an alto instrument in the string section, provided a crucial middle voice in the quartet's harmonies.
- As the alto member of the brass family, the horn contributed a warm and rounded sound to the symphony orchestra.
- The alto recorder, with its sweet and expressive tone, played a prominent role in the ensemble's Renaissance music performance.
3
the lowest female singing voice
Synonyms:
4
the highest adult male singing voice
Synonyms:
5
a male singer with the highest adult male voice or a female singer with the lowest female voice
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.