Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

countertenor

noun

/ˈkaʊntərˌtɛnər/

Definition

A male singer who has the vocal range of a soprano or alto.

Examples

The countertenor performed a beautiful aria that captivated the audience.
Many composers of the Baroque period wrote specifically for the countertenor voice.
He trained for years to master the countertenor range and technique.

Meaning

The term ‘countertenor’ refers to a type of classical male singing voice that is higher in pitch than the typical tenor voice. Countertenors often sing in the falsetto register and are known for their ability to perform music originally written for female voices.