alto

AL-toe

[ Italian , from Lat. altus - high ]

Definition

1. A female voice of low range, (usually about G below the treble clef to C in the treble clef) also called contralto.
 
2. Originally the alto was a high male voice, which, through the use of falsetto, reached the range of a female alto (this type of male voice is also called a countertenor).
 
3. The second highest part of a normal four part chorus.
 
4. In French, the second highest instrument of the violin family: the viola.
 
Also [English]  viola; [French] alto (m); [German] Bratsche  (f); [German] Altgeige  (f); [Italian] viola (f); [Spanish] viola; [Abbreviation] Va.; [Abbreviation] Vla.; [Abbreviation] Br.
 
5. In reference to instrument families such as the clarinet, flute and recorder, the second or third highest member of the family.

See Also

  • [Abbreviation] Alt.

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Last Updated: 2016-04-29 16:07:00