Contralto vs. Countertenor — What's the Difference?

Known for its rich and powerful quality.

A male singing voice in the alto range.

Characteristic roles in opera and musical theatre.

Known for versatility in both classical and modern compositions.

The lowest female singing voice.

Often uses falsetto to achieve higher notes.

Rare and valued in classical and popular music.

Suitable for early music and baroque opera.

Versatile across genres.

Blends well in choral and ensemble settings.

A contralto (Italian pronunciation: [konˈtralto]) is a type of classical female singing voice whose vocal range is the lowest female voice type.The contralto's vocal range is fairly rare; similar to the mezzo-soprano, and almost identical to that of a countertenor, typically between the F below middle C (F3 in scientific pitch notation) to the second F above middle C (F5), although, at the extremes, some voices can reach the D below middle C (D3) or the second B♭ above middle C (B♭5). The contralto voice type is generally divided into the coloratura, lyric, and dramatic contralto.

A countertenor (also contra tenor) is a type of classical male singing voice whose vocal range is equivalent to that of the female contralto or mezzo-soprano voice types, generally extending from around G3 to D5 or E5, although a sopranist (a specific kind of countertenor) may match the soprano's range of around C4 to C6. Countertenors often are baritones or tenors at core, but only on rare occasions they use their lower vocal range, instead preferring their falsetto or high head voice.

The lowest female singing voice

A singer having a voice within this range.

The lowest female voice or voice part, intermediate in range between soprano and tenor.

Male singing voice far higher than the typical male vocal range

A woman having a contralto voice.

(Older) a part or section performing a countermelody against the tenor or main part

(music) The lowest female voice or voice part, falling between tenor and mezzo-soprano. The terms contralto and alto refer to a similar musical pitch, but among singers, the term contralto is reserved for female singers; the equivalent male form is counter-tenor. Originally the contratenor altus was a high countermelody sung against the tenor or main melody.

A male singer with a voice above that of a tenor

The part sung by the highest male or lowest female voices; the alto or counter tenor.

Of or being the highest male voice; having a range above that of tenor

Of or pertaining to a contralto, or to the part in music called contralto; as, a contralto voice.

A woman singer having a contralto voice

The lowest female singing voice

Of or being the lowest female voice

While there may be some overlap in vocal range, the distinct timbres and traditional roles for each voice type generally guide which parts they sing in performances.

Countertenors are more commonly associated with classical and baroque music; however, their unique sound is increasingly explored in contemporary music, though they remain less common than other male voice types.

The main difference lies in the vocal range and mechanism: contraltos have a naturally low female voice, while countertenors are males who sing in the alto range primarily through falsetto.

Both face challenges due to the specificity of their voice types, but contemporary composers and opera productions continue to create and revive roles that showcase their unique talents.

Yes, many baroque composers, such as Handel, wrote roles specifically for the castrati, which are now often performed by countertenors. Similarly, certain composers and songwriters have written pieces that highlight the unique qualities of the contralto voice.

Becoming a countertenor involves training and developing one's falsetto to perform in the alto range, along with mastering the necessary vocal technique and repertoire.

Contraltos may find fewer roles written specifically for their voice type, requiring versatility and sometimes adapting roles traditionally meant for other voices.

Yes, countertenors can find roles in musical theatre, especially in productions that require a wide vocal range or a unique vocal texture.

Audiences are often captivated by the rare and distinctive sound qualities of both contraltos and countertenors, appreciating the emotional depth and technical skill they bring to their performances.

Their unique timbres and vocal ranges add depth and diversity to ensembles, enriching the overall sound and allowing for a broader range of musical expression.