A contralto is a classical female singing voice with the lowest vocal range among female voice types. Contralto voices are not very common. The range of a contralto is similar to a mezzo-soprano and almost the same as a countertenor. Usually, it spans from the F below middle C (F3) to the second F above middle C (F5). However, some contraltos can sing as low as the D below middle C (D3) or as high as the second B♭ above middle C (B♭5). There are different types of contraltos, including coloratura, lyric, and dramatic.

History

The term "contralto" is mainly used when talking about classical and operatic singing, as other musical traditions do not have a similar way to classify voices. This term is only used for female singers; male singers with a similar range are called "countertenors." In Italian, "contralto" and "alto" are not the same. "Alto" refers to a specific vocal range in choral music, without considering factors like how easily a singer can reach high notes, the quality of their voice, or how strong their voice sounds. However, some French choral music, including works by composers like Ravel and Poulenc, includes a part labeled "contralto," even though the range and role of that part match a classical alto. In the 1702 opera Tancrède by André Campra, the character Clorinde, a Saracen princess, was originally written for Julie d'Aubigny. This role is considered the earliest major part for a singer with a "bas-dessus" or contralto voice.

Vocal range

The contralto is a female voice type with the lowest singing range. Its typical range is between the tenor voice (a male voice type) and the mezzo-soprano (another female voice type).

Although tenors, baritones, and basses are male singers, some women can sing as low as these male voices, though their sound may have a slightly different quality. A few female singers who specialized in the tenor and baritone ranges include film actress Zarah Leander, Iranian singer Hayedeh, child prodigy Ruby Helder (1890–1938), and Bavarian novelty singer Bally Prell. The Guinness World Record for the lowest note sung by a female is D2, achieved by Helen Leahey.

Subtypes and roles in opera

The contralto voice type has three main subcategories: coloratura contralto, lyric contralto, and dramatic contralto. A coloratura contralto has a flexible voice that performs complex melodies. A lyric contralto has a lighter, softer sound. A dramatic contralto has a deep, rich, and strong voice.

Coloratura contralto was a preferred voice type for the composer Rossini. Many of his operatic roles were created for this voice. Lyric contraltos are often used in French and English operas. Many roles in the operas by Gilbert and Sullivan are best suited for lyric contraltos. An example is the role of Ma Moss in The Tender Land. Dramatic contralto voices are common in German operas. Examples include the character Erda in Der Ring des Nibelungen and Gaea in Daphne.

True contralto voices are uncommon in operas. Many operatic roles are not specifically written for contraltos and often require singers to perform notes outside their usual range. Contraltos sometimes play female characters, such as Teodata in Flavio, Angelina in La Cenerentola, Rosina in The Barber of Seville, Isabella in L'italiana in Algeri, and Olga in Eugene Onegin. However, they are more often cast as female villains or in roles typically played by male singers. Some contraltos are also cast in roles originally written for castrati. A common saying among contraltos is that they often play "witches, bitches, or britches."

Examples of contralto roles in standard operas include:

Note: Some roles can also be performed by mezzo-sopranos.