What is the definition of Alto? π π
A musical part or section higher than tenor and lower than soprano, formerly the part that performed a countermelody above the tenor or main melody.
Alright class, settle down now, letβs dive in with a sound!
Today weβre tackling βalto,β a word youβll hear quite often when studying music. The dictionary gives us a good start, don't you think? Letβs break it down nice and slow:
βA musical part or sectionβ¦higher than tenorβ¦lower than sopranoβ¦β
Think of it like this - imagine a little ladder, reaching up high!
π
Soprano
is the very top rung, singing the highest notes β bright and clear.
π Then comes
alto
, a step down, a lovely middle voice, with a richer tone you see.
π And finally,
tenor
sits lower still, providing a strong and grounded plea!
The dictionary also tells us it πused toπ play a special role β a countermelody, floating above the main tune. It would weave its own little story alongside the melody, adding depth and texture to the sound.
So, 'alto' means a middle-range female voice in music, a supportive friend to the soprano and a grounding force for the tenor. Got it?
Any questions before we move on to our next musical concept?