🎷 A mid-range instrument 🎤 A low female voice 🎤 Lowest female range 🎷 Second highest type

alto

1 5.3

Of an instrument that is the second highest in its family, like an alto saxophone

adjective
/ˈæltoʊ/

Specialized

: alto

But, what are you trying to do with the clarinet and alto saxophone parts?

Examples

She chose the alto flute because of its rich sound, which complemented the overall performance.
The alto saxophone plays a supportive role in the jazz ensemble, harmonizing with the other instruments.
In the orchestra, the alto part adds depth to the harmony, blending beautifully with the higher ranges.

Idioms

uno ab alto

Formal

9.9

A decision or order from a higher authority

Compounds

alto saxophonist

1 5.4

A musician who plays the alto saxophone

Trentino-Alto Adige

1 7.9

A region in northern Italy near Austria with high mountains and both Italian and German culture

alto clef

Specialized

1 7.7

A clef that shows middle C on the third line of the staff, used for writing music for the viola

alto relievo

Specialized

9.9

A form of sculpture where figures stick out far from a flat background to look three-dimensional

alto rilievo

Specialized

9.9

A deep sculpture where carved figures stand out from the background

How High

soprano

6 5.3

alto

Specialized

1 5.3

tenor

7 5.1

baritone

7 4.4

bass

27 4.1

Surface Forms

alto positive

Etymology

Alto comes from the Italian and Latin altus meaning 'high' (as in altitude). As an adjective it labels the second-highest instrument or part in a group, so an alto instrument is the one just below the top voice.