chitarrone: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowSpecialist/Technical (Musicology, Historical Music Performance)
Quick answer
What does “chitarrone” mean?
A large, long-necked lute used primarily in the 16th and 17th centuries, particularly as a basso continuo instrument.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large, long-necked lute used primarily in the 16th and 17th centuries, particularly as a basso continuo instrument.
Refers to the largest member of the archlute family, known for its deep bass notes and extended range; historically associated with Italian Baroque music.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage between British and American English, as the term is a technical loanword from Italian.
Connotations
The term is used identically in both British and American scholarly and musical contexts to refer to the same historical instrument.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialized in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “chitarrone” in a Sentence
[The] chitarrone [is/was] [instrument/used][Subject] plays/played the chitarrone[Composer] wrote for chitarroneVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chitarrone” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The ensemble decided to chitarrone the continuo line.
- (Note: 'chitarrone' is not standardly used as a verb. This is a nonce example.)
American English
- The part was originally meant to be chitarrone'd.
- (Note: 'chitarrone' is not standardly used as a verb. This is a nonce example.)
adverb
British English
- Not applicable; no adverbial form exists.
American English
- Not applicable; no adverbial form exists.
adjective
British English
- The chitarrone player took his place.
- The chitarrone part was newly edited.
American English
- A chitarrone maker demonstrated his craft.
- The chitarrone technique is highly specialized.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in music history and performance practice texts discussing early continuo instruments.
Everyday
Extremely unlikely to be used.
Technical
Used specifically in organology and within the historical performance movement.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chitarrone”
- Incorrect spelling: 'chittarone', 'chitarone'.
- Confusing with 'chitarra' (guitar) or 'cittarino' (a different, smaller instrument).
- Assuming it's a modern instrument.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The terms are often used interchangeably, but purists sometimes distinguish them based on tunings or regional origins. In broad modern usage, 'theorbo' is more common to refer to instruments of this type.
It flourished from the late 16th century through the 17th century, especially in Italian music.
Yes, primarily in concerts and recordings of early music by specialist ensembles dedicated to historical performance practice.
The long neck accommodates a second set of longer, lower-pitched bass strings (diapasons) that are not stopped against frets, allowing for deep, resonant bass notes.
A large, long-necked lute used primarily in the 16th and 17th centuries, particularly as a basso continuo instrument.
Chitarrone is usually specialist/technical (musicology, historical music performance) in register.
Chitarrone: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɪtəˈrəʊni/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkitəˈroʊni/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “There are no common idioms containing the word 'chitarrone'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'chitarrone' as a 'big guitar' (from Italian 'chitarra' meaning 'guitar') but with a long neck, used long ago.
Conceptual Metaphor
Not applicable; a concrete technical object.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary musical function historically associated with the chitarrone?