Definitions
- Describing a singing voice that is lower than a soprano but higher than a tenor. - Referring to the highest male voice or lowest female voice in a choir. - Talking about a musical instrument that has a range between tenor and soprano.
- Describing a singing voice that is lower than a mezzo-soprano but higher than a bass. - Referring to the lowest female singing voice. - Talking about a female singer who has a low-pitched voice.
List of Similarities
- 1Both refer to types of singing voices.
- 2Both describe lower-pitched voices than soprano or mezzo-soprano.
- 3Both can be used to describe a person's singing voice or a musical instrument.
- 4Both are used in choral music and opera.
What is the difference?
- 1Range: Alto refers to a singing voice that is higher than contralto.
- 2Gender: Contralto is exclusively used to describe the lowest female singing voice, while alto can refer to the highest male voice or lowest female voice in a choir.
- 3Usage: Contralto is less commonly used than alto.
- 4Connotation: Contralto has a more formal and specific connotation than alto, which is more versatile and can be used in various contexts.
- 5History: Contralto has been used for centuries in classical music, while alto is a more modern term.
Remember this!
Alto and contralto are both terms used to describe lower-pitched singing voices. However, alto can refer to both the highest male voice or lowest female voice in a choir, while contralto is exclusively used to describe the lowest female singing voice. Additionally, contralto has a more formal and specific connotation than alto, which is more versatile and can be used in various contexts.
