Countertenor

Countertenor is the highest adult male classical singing voice. In standard voice classification, it lies above the tenor and is commonly used for parts written for female voices in early music, especially in Baroque opera and sacred music. The typical countertenor range runs roughly from G3 to D5, with extensions up to F5–A5 in some singers. The voice is usually produced in falsetto or a specialized head-voice register, though some countertenors sing with a strengthened modal voice in the upper range.

Historical context: The term arose in Renaissance and Baroque periods when high male voices often performed female roles. In the modern era, the countertenor tradition was revived in the mid-20th century by pioneers such as Alfred Deller, and it remains central to performances of Handel, Monteverdi, and Vivaldi; works originally written for castrati are frequently sung by countertenors today. Repertoire also includes contemporary music and some choral works that require a high male voice.

Technique and voice types: Most countertenors rely on falsetto or a light, ringing upper register; some use a mix of registers to achieve a more connected tone. The timbre tends toward bright, flute-like or ethereal qualities compared with sopranos or mezzo-sopranos, though individual timbres vary widely.

Notable performers: Alfred Deller, James Bowman, Andreas Scholl, Philippe Jaroussky, Bejun Mehta, and David Daniels are among well-known countertenors who have contributed to the repertoire and its popularity.