† contratenor Mus. Obs.
(kɒntrəˈtɛnə(r))
[ad. It. contratenore ‘a counter-tenor’ (Florio): see contra- 4.]
= countertenor.
| 1552 Huloet, Contratenor in musycke, occentus. 1586 T. B. La Primaud. Fr. Acad. i. (1594) 542 In sounds, wherein the contra-tenor seemeth to command over the base. 1717 L. Howel Desiderius (ed. 3) 173 Honour..sings a Contratenor, and glorifies God for his infinite Wisdom. 1782 Mason Collect. Anthems p. xxxix, There was a very fine contratenor in the Royal Chapel. |