Alto

As Printed on a Score

French for viola, labelling its staff in full — Altos for the section — and, being short, often left unabbreviated on later systems. The trap is language: in an Italian, German or English score Alto names a voice, so read the neighbouring labels; between Violons and Violoncelles it is the viola.

Also spelled: Altos

How Composers Use It

The viola reads alto clef, moving to treble for high passages, and sounds as written from the C below middle C. Berlioz gave it the solo role in Harold en Italie, and French parts often ask for its veiled middle register with sourdine or sur la touche. In a French choral score the same word can also name the alto voice, so a work for chorus and orchestra needs care.

Example

Ravel, Boléro, full score: the viola staff is labelled “ALTOS”, alongside “VIOLONS”, “VIOLONCELLES” and “CONTREBASSES” — the French string labels, in which Alto is the viola, not a voice.

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