Estimated reading time 2 minutes
Table of Contents
Introduction
“What’s the difference between an alto and a true contralto?” While they may seem to be superficially similar, they have their own individual ranges and vocal tone qualities. Keep reading to find out what’re the key differences between contralto and alto voice.
This article uses musical terms. For definitions, see the Glossary at the end of the post.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission from purchases made through the links. I’ll only recommend products I use, use in lessons, or ones my students or colleagues have recommended.
The Key Differences Between Contralto and Alto Voice: What’s an Alto Voice?
In classical music, both terms are used synonymously. For example, The New Harvard Dictionary of Music has this definition:
Alto [It.]. (1) A low female voice, also called contralto… (32)
However, in contemporary usage, they mean different things.
So, let’s look at altos first:
- In SATB writing they perform the part between the sopranos and the tenors.
- They have a conservative tessitura of G3 to C5 (see the Find Your Vocal Range in 1 Minute video).
- In vocal ensembles, they’ll usually sing harmonies that support the overall sound while focusing on vocal blend.
Famous Altos:
- Bonnie Raitt
- Gladys Knight
- Norah Jones
Video: Norah Jones
The Key Differences Between Contralto and Alto Voice: What’s a Contralto Voice?
True contraltos are the women who can sing the low notes:
- It’s a rare vocal range, with only about five percent of women fitting this voice type.
- They have a conservative range from F3 to B4 (see the Find Your Vocal Range in 1 Minute video), though many women can sing lower than that.
- Also, the singing sweet spot is lower for them.
In addition, they can be a good fit for many different styles of music. The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians states:
The versatility of such singers can be indicated by naming only three:
- Ethel Waters: who moved from vaudeville and musical comedy to evangelical touring.
- Ella Fitzgerald: whose extraordinary voice reached down to d and who competed with jazz instrumentalists in her “scat-singing” improvisations.
- Marlene Dietrich: whose films roles made special use of her sultry and husky singing. (6:372)
Famous Contraltos:
- Cher
- Toni Braxton
- Marian Anderson
Video: Cher
The Key Differences Between Contralto and Alto Voice: How Do They Differ?
Despite having somewhat similar ranges:
- Altos can sing in the higher mezzo soprano range or in the traditionally lower range that they use in choir, while true contraltos will have a fuller, darker sound when going for the low notes.
- Also, contraltos can go low enough that they can be mistaken for tenors.
- Normally, these singers are found in solo performance settings.
Video: Find Your Vocal Range in 1 Minute
Want to sing like these ladies? These mics will help!
Final Thoughts
Takeaway points:
- Altos normally sing harmonies that support the overall sound of a vocal ensemble while focusing on vocal blend.
- True contraltos can go low enough that they often get mistaken for tenors, and their voices usually are found in solo performance settings.
- It’s a rare vocal range and tone quality, with only about five percent of women fitting this voice type.
Have fun singing!
Glossary
Learn the Secret Relationship of Timbre and Harmony
Have you ever wondered why a chord works with one instrument’s tone color (or a particular timbre of voice) but not another? Do you want to know what to listen for when tuning up your chords? Timbre and harmony are intimately related and understanding that relationship will deepen a composer’s knowledge of music. Also, it’ll help vocals, woodwinds, brass, and violins to know what to listen for when tuning up chords. Keep reading to learn the secret relationship of timbre and harmony. Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
Read More
Why Do Minor Keys Sound Sad to Me?
Have you ever wondered, “Why do minor keys sound sad and major keys sound happy?” Has this phenomenon been hardwired into us, or does culture impact how we perceive scales? In fact, it’s a little bit of both. Read more to learn how this works. Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
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What’re Critical Fine Motor Skills for Special Needs Music
Do you want to know what fine motor skills are and how they impact special needs music lessons? Fine motor skills are small, precise movements and therefore are a critical component of musical instrument lessons. Gross motor skills are also important in music. However, most instruments require a high level of finger precision, which is why in today’s post we’ll mostly focus on activities to develop finger dexterity. Keep reading “What’re Critical Fine Motor Skills for Special Needs Music” to learn how to increase finger dexterity in your special needs students. Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
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How to Record Using a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation)
Do you want to know how to record using a digital audio workstation? When I was a teen, and recording my band, all we had was two mics, two mic stands, and a dinky little four-track tape recorder, which had severely limited audio quality. However, today’s modern DAW software can get you pro quality results without having to buy a whole recording studio. Click to learn how to record using a DAW (digital audio workstation). Estimated reading time 4 minutes.
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