We will be talking about contralto voices in this article. Just to clear things up before we begin, contraltos and altos, while similar, are not the same thing.

Operatic singing defines different vocal fachs, which include voice range, timbre, color, and texture. Contralto is one of seven different vocal fachs, with each vocal fach having sub-categories such as coloratura, lyric, and dramatic. In contrast, choirs define the alto voice by the range of notes. Alto is the lowest female choir voice, and people with the vocal fachs of mezzo-soprano, contralto, or counter-tenor can comfortably sing the alto parts.

A contralto’s natural, comfortable singing voice ranges from F3 (the F below middle C) to F5 on the scale. Their voices are deep, rich, and irresistibly soul-stirring. While range is a significant factor in identifying a contralto, it is not the only one. Trained mezzo-sopranos and even sopranos can sing some of the lowest contralto notes.

The timbre of a contralto is distinctly different from any other vocal fach. It has a warm depth, strength, and sometimes androgynous quality. The contralto vocal fach falls into three specific, recognized subtypes:

• Coloratura Contralto: Distinguished by its lightness, it is agile and adept in complex, florid passages. Ewa Podleś was a famous coloratura contralto.

• Lyric contralto: This is the most common type of contralto. It is known for its brighter, feminine tone and richness in the lower register. Kathleen Ferrier was a famous lyric contralto.

• Dramatic Contralto: This is the rarest type of contralto. Its heavyweight tone showcases its profound depth, darkness, and formidable power. Marian Anderson was a famous dramatic contralto.

Is the Contralto Voice Rare?

Among the many vocal fachs (voice types), contralto is the rarest female vocal fach by far. While I cannot find any exact statistics on percentages of voices per vocal fach, finding true contraltos is challenging; however, thanks to the Internet, finding famous contralto singers is a little easier today than it used to be.

Due to the rarity of contraltos, they have relatively few opera roles written for them. Most tend to be villains or oddball characters and not the story’s heroines. This results in few contraltos being cast in operas and having either mezzo-sopranos cast in their parts or counter-tenors in some cases.

Voices fall into a bell curve, where most female singers fall in the middle range or mezzo-soprano, then the vocal fachs at either end being rare, and the low-end contralto the rarest. True contraltos are akin to shooting stars in the pop music night sky – thrilling to witness but a rare delight

Although the majority of popular music trends towards songs tailored for higher voices, contraltos have given modern music a unique flavor. In contrast to higher-pitched sopranos that often dominate in pop, R&B, and other mainstream genres, contraltos deliver a deeper resonance that can convey a different range of emotions, thus enhancing the diversity and complexity of modern music.

As a contralto singer myself, I am always on the lookout for popular songs suited to my voice. This pursuit encourages me to experiment, occasionally altering the key of songs to fit my range and style better.

What Famous Singers Have a Contralto Voice?

The evocative resonance of Judy Garland’s Somewhere Over the Rainbow and the captivating melancholy Lana Del Rey’s Video Games are standout contributions from famous contraltos. Their unforgettable melodies continue to echo in our hearts.

Starting with the pioneers, artists like Patsy Cline, Cher, and Tina Turner laid the groundwork for contraltos in pop, country, and R&B, respectively. Liza Minelli lit up Broadway, and who could forget Doris Day, whose cheerful contralto became synonymous with Hollywood’s Golden Age?

Then came the ’70s and ’80s with contraltos like Karen Carpenter, Carly Simon, Bonnie Tyler, Gloria Gaynor, and Annie Lennox dominating the airwaves, each infusing their music with a unique blend of depth and charisma.

The passionate rock of Stevie Nicks infused her evocative blend of gritty intensity and dreamlike allure, combining her passionate fervor with a celestial quality that enchants listeners in every performance.

In the world of soul and R&B, the unmistakable contralto voices of Anita Baker, Tracy Chapman, and Toni Braxton add depth and richness to their songs. More recently, Sade Adu gave us unforgettable hits with her smoky contralto.

The ’90s and 2000s saw a surge of contraltos across genres, from pop and country icons like Shania Twain, P!nk, Wynonna Judd (solo), and Faith Hill, to the Latin-infused melodies of Gloria Estefan and Brazilian Ana Carolina. All delivered emotional experiences, one profound note at a time.

The 2010s brought us contemporary contraltos like Adele, Lana Del Ray, and Nicki Minaj, whose powerful performances show that the future of contraltos in pop music shines brighter than ever.

So, the next time you’re tapping your foot to a catchy track or exploring a new artist, lend an ear to the contraltos – the deep-diving divas of the musical realm. Trust me, once you start appreciating the warm low tones, you’ll be hooked for life!