Alto and soprano are two vocal ranges that are commonly used in choral music and singing. Here's a brief explanation of each:
1. Alto:
- Alto is a lower female voice.
- It is generally higher than the lowest female voice (bass) but lower than the higher female voices (mezzo-soprano and soprano).
- The typical range for an alto voice falls between F3 (the F note below middle C) and F5 (the F note two octaves above middle C).
- Altos typically sing the third part in four-part choral arrangements.
2. Soprano:
- Soprano is the highest female voice.
- It is characterized by its bright and clear tone.
- The typical range for a soprano voice falls between C4 (the C note above middle C) and C6 (the C note three octaves above middle C).
- Sopranos typically sing the highest part in four-part choral arrangements.
It's worth noting that vocal ranges can vary among individuals, and some singers may have voices that fall between or overlap with these categories. Additionally, voice classification is not strictly limited to gender. Male singers can have alto or soprano voices, and vice versa.