A contralto is the lowest female singing voice, characterized by a rich, deep tone. This vocal range typically spans from E3 to F5, allowing contraltos to perform a variety of musical styles, including classical, jazz, and pop. They often play significant roles in choral music and operas, where their unique timbre adds depth to the overall sound. Contraltos are less common than other female voice types, such as sopranos and mezzo-sopranos. Notable contraltos include Marilyn Horne and Ewa Podleś, who have made significant contributions to the world of music. Their powerful voices and emotional delivery make them stand out in performances.