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alto

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alto

Voice or musical instrument between tenor and soprano, of approximate range G3–D5. It is also used before the name of an instrument, for example alto saxophone, and indicates a size larger than soprano.

The traditional male alto voice of early opera, Anglican church choirs, male voice quartets, and choral societies is also known as countertenor. Trumpetlike and penetrating, it is an extension of the high (alto) male voice register, produced by falsetto. The term is also used as an abbreviation of ‘contralto’, the low register (‘contra-alto’) female voice, which is rich and mellow in tone; for example, the voice of the English singer Kathleen Ferrier. Alto is also the French name for the viola.



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? Mentioned in ? References in classic literature
 
She "carried" the alto by ear, danced without being taught, played the melodeon without knowing the notes.
Rebecca Of Sunnybrook Farm by Wiggin, Kate Douglas View in context
In one sense, therefore, it is of greater value than any other institution for the training of men and women that we have, from Cambridge to Palo Alto.
Up From Slavery by Washington, Booker T. View in context
Again, ten leagues further up Ballenar is situated, and above this Guasco Alto, a horticultural village, famous for its dried fruit.
The Voyage of the Beagle by Darwin, Charles View in context
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