vibrato
vih-BRAH-toh
/vɪˈbrɑːtoʊ/
A rapid, slight fluctuation in pitch used to add warmth, expression, and richness to a tone.
Vibrato is a controlled, expressive oscillation of pitch, distinct from a wobble (which is uncontrolled) or tremolo (which is a fluctuation in volume).
The story behind the word. Borrowed directly from Italian in the 19th century, vibrato is the past participle of 'vibrare,' meaning 'to vibrate or shake.' This traces back to the Latin 'vibrare,' which meant to set in tremulous motion.
Word relationships
- pitch oscillation: Pitch oscillation is a scientific term for any waving pitch, while vibrato is the specific, artistic musical application of this effect.
Commonly confused with
- tremolo: Vibrato is a rapid variation in pitch (frequency), while tremolo is a rapid variation in volume (amplitude) or a rapid repetition of a single note.
Word family
- vibratos (noun): Plural form of vibrato.
Collocations
- wide vibrato
- natural vibrato
- apply vibrato
Example sentences
- "She added a warm vibrato to the end of the sustained note." Describing a vocal or string performance.
Memory hook
Vibrato sounds like vibrate. It is a tiny, controlled vibration of the pitch. Vibrato makes a note vibrate with emotion.
When not to use
Do not use vibrato to describe a change in volume; it must be a change in pitch.
Fun facts
- In early classical music, vibrato was used sparingly as an ornament; it wasn't until the 20th century that string players began using continuous vibrato as a standard part of their tone.
Related words
Also appears in
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