There are many different voice types in classical music, and the contralto is a rich and colourful voice within the female range. But what exactly is a contralto – and what is its range? We'll explain all you need to know here.
What is a contralto?
The contralto is the lowest female voice type, pitched between the mezzo-soprano and male tenor ranges and composers have often given contralto roles something of a matronly attitude.
Erda, in Wagner’s Rheingold, for example, advises Wotan to relinquish the cursed ring and Mrs Cripps, from Gilbert and Sullivan’s HMS Pinafore, foresees the captain’s fall to seaman status.
Today, however, dramatic mezzos often take the place of the contralto in such roles as Maddalena in Verdi’s Rigoletto and Mamma Lucia in Mascagni’s Cavalleria rusticana.
And gone forever are contraltos in Baroque opera, thanks to the rise of the ever more flexible countertenor.
Who are the famous contraltos?
Despite the disappearance of contraltos from Baroque operas, a handful of modern singers – including Hilary Summers and Nathalie Stutzmann – are following in one of the world's greatest contraltos Kathleen Ferrier’s footsteps and steadfastly calling themselves contraltos.
Another famous contralto was Marian Anderson (pictured), who was not only a famous singer who performed at JFK's inauguration but also a political campaigner and key player in the Civil Rights Movement
What is the range of a contralto?
A typical contralto range is E3–F5, just over two octaves.
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Visit our musical terms dictionary to find out about other musical definitions you may not know.
Main image: Marian Anderson © Getty Images