What characterizes the alto voice?

The alto voice is characterized as the lowest female voice type, typically spanning from approximately F3 to F5 in terms of vocal range. This makes it distinct from the soprano, which is the highest female voice. The reference to "the highest female voice and the lowest male voice" is slightly misleading, as it appears to conflate different voice types; however, it does correctly position the alto voice within the context of female vocal classifications that are lower than soprano. The distinction between an alto and other voice types is crucial, as each has its own specific range and qualities.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the characteristics of the alto voice. The statement regarding voices that only sing in the bass range is not applicable, as alto pertains to female voices, while bass refers to male voices. The claim that the alto voice is limited to only the opera repertoire is also incorrect, as the alto voice is found across a variety of musical genres, not just opera. Lastly, the suggestion of an alto being synonymous with the voice of a choir leader overlooks the fact that choir leaders can be of any vocal type, and leadership in a choir is not exclusively tied to the alto voice.