How Do You Spell SOTTOVOCE?

Pronunciation: [sˈɒtəvˌə͡ʊs] (IPA)

Sottovoce, pronounced /ˌsɒtəʊˈvəʊtʃeɪ/, is a musical term that refers to singing or playing in a soft or whispered voice. This Italian word is spelled as it is pronounced, with each syllable being pronounced distinctly. The "sotto" part of the word represents the "suh-toh" sound in English, while the "voce" part includes the "voh-cheh" sound. The accent mark on the "e" indicates that the pronunciation of the word should be emphasised on the second syllable. Overall, sottovoce is a lovely Italian term that adds a layer of richness and beauty to the world of music.

SOTTOVOCE Meaning and Definition

  1. Sottovoce is an Italian musical term that has been adopted into the English language and commonly used in the field of music, particularly in vocal or choral performances. The term sottovoce literally translates to "under the voice" in Italian. In musical contexts, sottovoce refers to a technique or style of singing or playing where the voice or instrument is deliberately performed in a subdued, hushed, or whispered tone.

    When a singer or instrumentalist performs sottovoce, they deliberately lower their volume, creating a soft and intimate sound. It is often employed to create an effect of delicacy, vulnerability, or tenderness, allowing for a more nuanced and expressive interpretation of the music. Sottovoce can be utilized across various music genres, including operatic arias, art songs, or chamber music.

    Singers or instrumentalists often use sottovoce as a stylistic choice to convey various emotions or moods, such as nostalgia, longing, or melancholy. It can also be used to intensify the dramatic effect within a piece of music. The subdued nature of sottovoce requires a high level of control and precision from the performer, as it demands careful manipulation of breath support, dynamics, and tone.

    Overall, sottovoce is a musical technique that allows for the execution of music with a subdued and whispered quality, often used to convey delicate emotions or create a particular atmosphere within a performance.

Common Misspellings for SOTTOVOCE

  • aottovoce
  • zottovoce
  • xottovoce
  • dottovoce
  • eottovoce
  • wottovoce
  • sittovoce
  • skttovoce
  • slttovoce
  • spttovoce
  • s0ttovoce
  • s9ttovoce
  • sortovoce
  • softovoce
  • sogtovoce
  • soytovoce
  • so6tovoce
  • so5tovoce
  • sotrovoce
  • sotfovoce

Etymology of SOTTOVOCE

The word "sottovoce" has Italian origins. It is derived from the Italian words "sotto" meaning "under" or "beneath", and "voce" meaning "voice". Together, "sottovoce" translates to "under the voice" or "under one's breath". In music terminology, it refers to a soft, subdued, or whispered vocal or instrumental technique. The term "sottovoce" was borrowed into English in the mid-18th century.

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