Vibrato
Definition. A slight, regular oscillation in pitch (and sometimes volume) used to add warmth and expression to sustained notes.
Detailed Explanation
Vibrato is a slight, regular oscillation in pitch (and sometimes volume) applied to sustained notes for expressive effect. On bowed strings, vibrato is produced by the rocking motion of the left-hand finger on the string. On winds and voice, it is produced by diaphragm pulsation. On guitar, by bending or rocking the string.
Vibrato adds warmth, expression, and life to sustained tones. Without vibrato, a sustained note sounds clinical and flat; with appropriate vibrato, it sounds singing and alive. The speed and depth of vibrato are adjusted for expressive purposes — slower and wider for romantic warmth, faster and narrower for nervous intensity.
Vibrato is also a stylistic and historical variable. Baroque performance typically uses minimal vibrato (treating it as an ornament rather than a default); Romantic and modern playing typically uses continuous vibrato as part of the basic tone. Period-performance practitioners debate the appropriate use of vibrato in earlier music.
Etymology
Italian, past participle of vibrare (‘to vibrate’), from Latin vibrare.
In Practice
Match vibrato to the music. Style, emotion, era all matter. Don’t use the same vibrato for Bach and Tchaikovsky; the music demands different colors.
Notable Examples
- All Romantic and modern repertoire — Universal usage (fundamental expressive technique)
Related Terms
Opposite Of
Frequently Asked Questions
Was bedeutet Vibrato in der Musik?
A slight, regular oscillation in pitch (and sometimes volume) used to add warmth and expression to sustained notes.
Woher kommt das Wort Vibrato?
Italian, past participle of vibrare (‘to vibrate’), from Latin vibrare.
Wie wird Vibrato in der Praxis ausgeführt?
Match vibrato to the music. Style, emotion, era all matter. Don’t use the same vibrato for Bach and Tchaikovsky; the music demands different colors.
Welche Abkürzungen sind für Vibrato üblich?
Vibrato wird üblicherweise als vib. abgekürzt.
Welche Musikbegriffe hängen mit Vibrato zusammen?
Verwandte Begriffe: Tremolo, Portamento, Trill.
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