Some female choir voices (5) - Crossword Clue
Answer: ALTOS
Understanding the Answer: ALTOS
- ALTOS is the answer to this crossword clue, referring to one of the primary female vocal ranges in choral music.
- The alto voice represents the lower female singing range, typically spanning from F below middle C to the second F above.
- In choir arrangements, altos provide crucial harmonic depth and richness, singing the second-highest part in traditional four-part harmony (soprano, alto, tenor, bass).
- The term "alto" comes from the Italian word meaning "high," though paradoxically, it's the lower of the female voices.
- Female altos are sometimes called "contraltos" when referring to the deepest natural female voice type, though in choir settings, the simpler term "alto" is most commonly used.
Why ALTOS Fits This Clue
- This five-letter answer perfectly matches the clue's requirements through multiple connections.
- First, the numerical constraint (5) indicates we need exactly five letters, which ALTOS provides.
- Second, the phrase "female choir voices" specifically points to vocal classifications within choral music, where altos represent an essential female voice section.
- Third, the plural form "voices" suggests we're looking for a group designation rather than a single voice type, making ALTOS the ideal fit.
- In most church choirs, school choruses, and professional vocal ensembles, you'll find a dedicated alto section composed primarily of women with lower-pitched voices who can comfortably sing the harmony parts written for this range.
Tips for Solving Similar Crossword Clues
- Look for number patterns: When clues specify letter counts in parentheses, immediately count your answer's letters before committing.
- Consider musical terminology: Crosswords frequently use music-related clues, so familiarizing yourself with basic terms like soprano, alto, tenor, and bass proves invaluable.
- Think plural vs. singular: The word "voices" (plural) hints that the answer should also be plural, eliminating singular options like "VOICE" or "RANGE."
- Context matters: "Choir" specifically indicates classical or traditional vocal music rather than solo performance terms. Cross-reference your answers: If you've filled in intersecting words, use those letters to confirm your answer fits both horizontally and vertically.
Some female choir voices (5) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: What's the difference between alto and contralto?
A: Contralto refers specifically to the lowest natural female voice type, which is quite rare. Alto is a broader term used in choirs that includes both true contraltos and mezzo-sopranos who sing the lower harmony parts.
Q: Can men sing alto parts?
A: Yes, male altos (sometimes called countertenors) can sing alto parts, typically using falsetto or a highly developed head voice to reach the required range. However, this crossword clue specifically asks for "female choir voices."
Q: Why do crosswords use musical terms so often?
A: Musical terminology provides constructors with useful short words that fit common letter patterns. Terms like ALTOS, ARIA, CLEF, and NOTE work well for filling grid spaces while remaining fair to solvers.
Q: Are there other five-letter female voice-related answers?
A: SOPRANOS is too long at eight letters, but you might encounter MEZZO (5) in some contexts, though it's less common as a standalone answer.
Q: How can I improve at music-themed crossword clues?
A: Study basic musical vocabulary, including voice types, instruments, Italian musical terms, and famous composers. These categories appear regularly in crosswords of all difficulty levels.
