alto

• Qualifie une voix ou un instrument au registre élevé, notamment le deuxième registre vocal le plus aigu dans un chœur.

Describes a voice or instrument that is high in pitch, specifically the second highest vocal range in a choir.

1. Lowest female voiceB2formal

   Describing the lowest female singing voice, typically with a range from F3 to F5.

   Voix la plus grave chez la femme

   • She has a beautiful alto voice that adds depth to the choir.
   • The alto part in this piece is very challenging.
   • She sings alto in the school choir.

   Synonymescontralto

   Antonymessopranotreble

2. Highest male voiceB2formal

   Describing the highest adult male singing voice, often called countertenor, with a range above tenor.

   Haute-contre (voix masculine la plus aiguë)

   • The alto solo was performed by a male countertenor.
   • His alto range is remarkably clear and strong.
   • The choir needs more male altos for the performance.

   Synonymescountertenor

3. Musical instrument rangeB2formal

   Describing the second highest instrument in a family of musical instruments, such as alto saxophone or alto clarinet.

   Registre d'instrument alto

   • He plays the alto saxophone in the jazz band.
   • The alto flute has a softer, darker tone than the standard flute.
   • She switched from soprano to alto recorder.

   Antonymessopranotenor

4. B2formal

   Relating to the pitch range of the lowest female voice or the highest male voice.

   Registre d'alto

   • The alto range is typically between F3 and F5.
   • This song is written in the alto clef.
   • The alto register requires careful breath control.

   Antonymesbasstenor

• Nom désignant une tessiture vocale ou instrumentale, à savoir la voix féminine la plus grave ou la voix masculine la plus aiguë, ou l'instrument de la famille des cordes ou des cuivres de taille et de registre intermédiaires, notamment l'alto à cordes.

A noun referring to a vocal or instrumental range, specifically the lowest female voice or the highest male voice, or the second highest instrument in a family.

1. B2formal

   The lowest female singing voice, typically ranging from F3 to F5.

   Alto (voix)

   • She has a beautiful alto voice that adds depth to the choir.
   • The alto section sang the harmony beautifully.
   • She was chosen as the lead alto in the opera.

   Synonymescontralto

   Antonymessoprano

2. B2formal

   The highest adult male singing voice, also known as countertenor, with a range above tenor.

   haute-contre

   • The male alto performed the aria with incredible control.
   • He trained as an alto to sing in the early music ensemble.
   • The choir needed more altos to balance the sopranos.

   Synonymescountertenor

3. B2formal

   Refers to the second highest instrument in a family of musical instruments, such as the alto saxophone or alto clarinet.

   alto (instrument)

   • The alto saxophone has a warm, rich tone.
   • She plays the alto flute in the orchestra.
   • The alto clarinet adds a unique color to the woodwind section.

4. Pitch range of the lowest female voiceB2formal

   The pitch range associated with the lowest female voice, typically from F3 to F5.

   Registre de la voix féminine grave

   • The alto range is lower than the soprano but higher than the tenor.
   • She can comfortably sing in the alto range.
   • The piece is written for alto voice.

   Synonymescontralto