contralto

The contralto is the rarest and lowest female voice type, with a rich, dark quality that can extend down to F3 or even lower. True contraltos are uncommon, and the term is often confused with mezzo-soprano, though the contralto sits distinctly lower in range and has a heavier, more resonant sound. In opera, contralto roles are relatively few but memorable — often witches, elderly women, or supernatural beings. Handel wrote many contralto roles, and the voice type is featured in oratorio and choral music. The great contralto Marian Anderson broke racial barriers in classical music and was one of the most celebrated singers of the 20th century.