A second soprano is a female voice type that falls between the higher first soprano and the lower alto. Synonyms for this voice type include mezzo-soprano, contralto, and alto II. Mezzo-soprano denotes a female voice with a range between a soprano and an alto. A contralto is the lowest female voice type and has a range similar to that of a male tenor. Alto II is used in choral music to differentiate the second soprano part from the first soprano part. These synonyms are important for composers and vocalists to know in order to create and perform music properly.