Highlights
– The distinction between alto and soprano is important for singers in choirs and musicals because it determines their place and the parts they get to sing.
– Altos are considered the second-highest female singing voice and can reach high notes, but are generally lower in range. They serve as a bridge between contralto and mezzo-soprano.
– Sopranos are the highest female singing voice and naturally hit high notes in their vocal range. They tend to sound brighter on high notes and can reach an F to F# comfortably.
Introduction
When it comes to female vocals, it’s important to know if you are an alto or a soprano. This will determine your place in a choir or musical and the parts you get to sing, including solo parts.
Alto
Alto is considered the second highest female singing voice. While altos can hit high notes, they generally have a lower range unless they attempt complex singing. Alto is a vocal line that acts as a bridge between contralto and mezzo-soprano, ranging from the F below middle C to the second D above.
Soprano
Soprano is the highest female singing voice, naturally reaching the high notes in their range. Sopranos are comfortable hitting an F to F# and tend to have a brighter sound on high notes. Soprano is not just about hitting high notes but also about clarity in pitch and range.
Difference between Alto and Soprano
Experts argue that one cannot be fully categorized as a pure alto or soprano since it is a vocal line, not a specific range. It is possible for a soprano and an alto to have the same range, but the tone quality sets them apart. When a soprano hits a high note, it has more ring to it compared to an alto. Conversely, when an alto hits a lower note, its tone is darker. The shift point in a singer’s voice is also higher for a soprano than an alto.
In summary, alto is the second highest female singing voice acting as a bridge between contralto and mezzo-soprano. Soprano is the highest female singing voice naturally hitting high notes. The main difference between the two is the tone quality, and both range and tone quality are important in determining a singer’s category.
