countertenor

[ koun-ter-ten-er ]

noun

, Music.

1. an adult male voice or voice part higher than the tenor.
2. a singer with such a voice; a high tenor.

countertenor

/ ˌkaʊntəˈtɛnə /

noun

1. an adult male voice with an alto range
2. a singer with such a voice

Word History and Origins

Origin of countertenor¹

1350–1400; Middle English cownturenur, apparently < Anglo-French; compare Middle French contreteneur, Old Italian contratenore, equivalent to contra- contra- ²( def ) + tenore tenor

Example Sentences

Three countertenors have been cast, including as Julius Caesar, a vocally demanding role often given to a mezzo-soprano.

From New York Times

Both that darkness and light are embraced in the choreographer Mark Morris’s 2007 production, which is being revived at the Metropolitan Opera starring the countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo.

From New York Times

Anthony Roth Costanzo was hired Thursday as general director and president of Opera Philadelphia and will continue his career as a leading countertenor while taking over an ambitious company dealing with post-pandemic economic challenges.

From Seattle Times

Anthony Roth Costanzo, the celebrated American countertenor who is one of opera’s biggest stars, will lead Opera Philadelphia as its next general director and president, the company announced on Thursday.

From New York Times

Thirty minutes long, and scored for a big orchestra, countertenor soloist, children’s choir, broad battery of percussion, electric guitar and pair of synthesizers, “Hippogriff” is not so easily dismissed.

From New York Times

Related Words

• falsetto