CHITARRONE Meaning and
Definition
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The chitarrone is a large, wire-strung plucked instrument belonging to the lute family. It emerged in the early 17th century in Italy and gained popularity during the Baroque period. With its long neck and numerous strings, the chitarrone is renowned for its impressive range and unique sound.
Typically measuring around six feet in length, the chitarrone features a body resembling that of a theorbo, with a deep, pear-shaped resonance box. Its neck is extended beyond the body, allowing for additional strings to be attached. These strings are divided into multiple courses, some of which are paired, and are often tuned in octaves or unison. The player plucks the strings with their fingers or a plectrum to produce the desired tone.
The instrument's rich, resonant timbre and its ability to produce both soft, delicate sounds and powerful, full-bodied tones make it a versatile instrument. Due to its size and complex construction, the chitarrone requires advanced technique and skilled performers to yield its full potential. It was particularly popular for accompanying vocal music, often in the context of early opera or as an accompanying instrument during recitatives.
While the chitarrone fell out of favor by the end of the 17th century, its distinctive characteristics remain appreciated in the field of historically informed performance today.
Common Misspellings for CHITARRONE
- xhitarrone
- vhitarrone
- fhitarrone
- dhitarrone
- cgitarrone
- cbitarrone
- cnitarrone
- cjitarrone
- cuitarrone
- cyitarrone
- chutarrone
- chjtarrone
- chktarrone
- chotarrone
- ch9tarrone
- ch8tarrone
- chirarrone
- chifarrone
- chigarrone
- chiyarrone
Etymology of CHITARRONE
The word "chitarrone" has its etymological roots in Italian. It is derived from the word "chitarra", which means "guitar" in Italian. The suffix "-one" is added to "chitarra" to signify a larger or extended version of something. Therefore, "chitarrone" can be understood as a "big guitar" or "extended guitar".
The term specifically refers to a large, bass lute, which was popular during the Renaissance and Baroque periods. The chitarrone had an extended neck, additional bass strings, and a resonating chamber, allowing it to produce deep, rich tones. It was often used as a continuo instrument in music ensembles of the time.
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