Countertenor
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Part of speech noun
Quick meaning: Countertenor is a noun meaning An adult male singer who uses head tone or falsetto to sing far higher than the typical male vocal range.
Meaning
An adult male singer who uses head tone or falsetto to sing far higher than the typical male vocal range.
More Meanings
- A male singing voice far higher than the typical male vocal range.
- (historical) A part or section performing a countermelody against the tenor or main part.
Example Sentences
The term countertenor first appeared in England during the mid 17th century. However, the style of singing originated in Elizabethan cathedral choirs, eventually falling out of favour during the Romantic period.
Word Forms
- countertenors
- counter-tenor
- counter tenor
Synonyms for countertenor
Depending on context, synonyms include high, high-pitched, alto.
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include alto, high, high-pitched, heldentenor, soprano, stentor.
Related Dictionary Tools
Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.