Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
altissimo

altissimo

9.9
Very high notes above the normal range of a voice or instrument
  • adjective
  • /ælˈtɪsɪmoʊ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : altísimo
  • Reaching the altissimo notes on the saxophone requires advanced technique and control.

Examples

  • The clarinet player performed a solo in the altissimo register that amazed the audience.

  • Certain flute passages demand excellent breath support to produce clear altissimo tones.

  • The soprano hit the altissimo notes effortlessly.

  • In this piece, the altissimo range is crucial for expression.

  • Certain flute passages demand excellent breath support to produce clear altissimo tones.

  • Reaching the altissimo notes on the saxophone requires advanced technique and control.

  • The clarinet player performed a solo in the altissimo register that amazed the audience.

Antonyms

bass
1 4.1

Having a low sound in singing or music

How High

altissimo
  • Specialized
9.9
high
257 1.0
midrange
2 4.2
low
721 1.8

Surface Forms

altissimo positive

Etymology

Altissimo comes from Italian and literally means 'very high', made from alto ('high') plus the Italian ending -issimo ('very'). So in music, altissimo names notes that are above an instrument's normal range.