The Most Famous Contralto, Ranked

Choose the contralto you think is the most famous!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 9, 2024 07:06
The richness and depth of a contralto voice have captivated audiences for centuries, providing a unique tone that is both rare and enchanting. Finding the most impactful voices in this category has been a subject of lively discussion among music enthusiasts and critics alike. Our site offers a dynamic way to engage with this debate by allowing users to vote for who they believe stands out in the world of contralto vocalists. By participating in the ranking process, users contribute to a collective appreciation of these artists and help newcomers to the genre identify key figures to listen to. This voting mechanism not only fosters a community of informed listeners but also keeps the list updated with public opinion. It is a blend of historical insight and current preferences, shaping an authoritative guide tailored by and for the voice aficionados.

Who Is the Most Famous Contralto?

  1. 1
    102
    votes
    Marian Anderson
    Carl Van Vechten · Public domain
    Marian Anderson is one of the most celebrated contraltos of the 20th century, known for her rich and powerful voice. She was also a civil rights activist and broke racial barriers in classical music.
  2. 2
    37
    votes
    Kathleen Ferrier
    Ziko · CC BY-SA 3.0
    Kathleen Ferrier is a British contralto who became famous for her interpretations of Bach, Brahms, and Mahler. She was known for her warm and expressive voice.
  3. 3
    20
    votes
    Jessye Norman is a versatile American contralto who excelled in a wide range of repertoire, from opera to spirituals. She was known for her commanding stage presence and powerful voice.
    Jessye Norman in other rankings
  4. 4
    12
    votes
    Ewa Podleś
    Andrzej Świetlik · CC BY-SA 3.0
    Ewa Podleś is a Polish contralto who has been praised for her dramatic intensity and vocal agility. She has performed in leading roles at major opera houses around the world.
  5. 5
    7
    votes
    Nathalie Stutzmann is a French contralto who has made a name for herself as both a singer and a conductor. She has been praised for her warm and velvety tone and her expressive interpretations.
  6. 6
    7
    votes
    Joyce DiDonato
    A MA · CC BY-SA 4.0
    Joyce DiDonato - an American mezzo-soprano who has also been praised for her contralto range. She is known for her versatility, singing everything from Handel to Heggie with equal skill.
    Joyce DiDonato in other rankings
  7. 7
    11
    votes
    Marian Hillar is a Polish-American contralto who has performed in opera, oratorio, and art song. She is known for her rich and resonant voice and her interpretations of Slavic repertoire.
  8. 8
    12
    votes
    Maureen Forrester
    Carl Van Vechten · Public domain
    Maureen Forrester is a Canadian contralto who was known for her powerful and expressive voice. She was a champion of Canadian music and performed with major orchestras around the world.
  9. 9
    4
    votes
    Janet Baker is a British mezzo-soprano who was known for her rich and warm voice. She excelled in the music of Bach, Handel, and Mozart, and was also a respected interpreter of modern music.
    Janet Baker in other rankings
  10. 10
    5
    votes
    Florence Quivar is an American contralto who has sung with major opera companies and orchestras around the world. She is known for her powerful and expressive voice, as well as her commitment to contemporary music.

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Ranking factors for famous contralto

  1. Vocal range
    Contraltos have a lower vocal range than other female voice types, and the ability to hit the lowest notes with clarity and power is an important factor.
  2. Technical proficiency
    A great contralto should have excellent control over their voice, with the ability to perform with perfect pitch, tone, and intonation.
  3. Musical interpretation
    A good contralto should be able to convey emotion and tell a story through their singing, and should have a deep understanding of the music and lyrics they perform.
  4. Stage presence
    A great contralto should be able to captivate an audience with their presence and charisma, engaging them with their voice and performance.
  5. Popularity and influence
    Finally, the popularity and influence of a contralto can also be a factor in ranking them, taking into account their impact on the music industry and their ability to inspire and influence other musicians.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous contralto. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or contralto is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2668 views
  • 210 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each contralto once every 24 hours. The rank of each contralto is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous contralto

Background Information: The World of Contraltos Contralto is a vocal range that is commonly associated with female singers. It is a range that sits between mezzo-soprano and tenor, and is characterized by its rich, warm, and full-bodied sound. Contralto singers can be found in a variety of genres, including opera, jazz, and pop music. Many of the most famous contraltos throughout history have been opera singers, with their powerful and emotive voices captivating audiences around the world. Some of the most famous contraltos of all time include Marian Anderson, Kathleen Ferrier, and Ewa Podles. Each of these singers had a unique style and sound, and their contributions to the world of music have been immense. In the modern era, there are many talented contraltos who continue to push the boundaries of the genre. From pop stars like Adele and Lana Del Rey, to jazz legends like Nina Simone and Ella Fitzgerald, the world of contraltos is a diverse and exciting place. Whether you are a fan of classical music, jazz, or pop, there is sure to be a contralto that will capture your heart and your imagination. So why not explore the world of contraltos today and discover your new favorite singer?

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