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contralto

contralto , female voice of lowest pitch. Originally, the term denoted a second voice set against ( contra ) a high voice ( alto ); thus, a second high voice. Since most second parts were for a high male voice or a low woman's voice, the term came to mean a low woman's voice, pitched about a fifth below the soprano. See also alto ; countertenor ; voice .

contralto

oxford

views updated May 23 2018

con·tral·to / kənˈtraltō/ • n. (pl. -tos) the lowest female singing voice. ∎ a singer with such a voice. ∎ a part written for such a voice.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

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contralto

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views updated May 21 2018

contralto Lowest range (below soprano and mezzo-soprano) of the female singing voice. A male voice in this range is called a countertenor. See also alto

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contralto

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views updated May 29 2018

contralto XVIII (earlier contrealt). — It., f. CONTRA- and ALTO.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

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contralto

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views updated May 21 2018

contralto (It.). The lowest of the ranges of female v., with a normal range g–g″. Originally term meant a male singer, falsetto or castrato, being derived from ‘contr’ alto', abbrev. of contratenor altus.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music MICHAEL KENNEDY and JOYCE BOURNE

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