Alto
(AL-toe)


[It. from Lat. altus - high]

  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 [Eng.] viola; [Ger.] Bratsche; [It.] viola; [Sp.] viola.

  5. In reference to instrument families such as the clarinet, flute and recorder, the second or third highest member of the family.

Alto

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