Alto (thing)

The voice

The alto vocal range is between the tenor and soprano ranges. It is generally the lowest female range and the highest male range. The term is also used interchangably with contralto and countertenor, though the typical ranges of each of these terms differs depending on the definition. The typical 'alto' range is just over two octaves, from the F below middle C to the D a ninth above it. The alto part in four part harmony is the second highest, as it is lower than the soprano part but higher than tenor and bass.

In open score and other choral sheet music, alto parts were originally written in the alto clef. These parts are now written in the treble clef in modern scores. In short score, the alto part is written on the treble clef below the soprano part. The stems on the alto notes always point downward.

Instruments

The term 'alto' can also be used to classify certain instrument ranges. Like the vocal classification, the instrumental 'alto' classification also falls between the 'tenor' and 'soprano' classifications. The most popular alto instrument is arguably the alto saxophone, which is in the key of E flat and produces higher sounds than other instruments in the saxophone family because it has less inner tubing. The alto horn is also an E flat instrument, though it belongs to the brass family (as opposed to the woodwinds). Alto clarinets, flutes, recorders, and trombones are also used.
Resources:
Music Theory Online: http://www.dolmetsch.com/theoryintro.htm 13 June 2004
Alto: http://www.wikipedia.com 11 March 2004

'Alto' is also the equivalent to 'tall' in spanish. It is typically used as an adjective for describing a person.

Example: "El hombre es muy alto."

Translation: "The man is very tall."

Al"to (#), n.; pl. Altos (#). [It. alto high, fr. L. altus. Cf. Alt.]

1. Mus.

Formerly the part sung by the highest male, or counter-tenor, voices; now the part sung by the lowest female, or contralto, voices, between tenor and soprano. In instrumental music it now signifies the tenor.

2.

An alto singer.

Alto clef Mus. the counter-tenor clef, or the C clef, placed so that the two strokes include the middle line of the staff.

Moore.

 

© Webster 1913.

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