Chordophone Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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chordophone
[ˈkɔːrdəˌfoʊn ]
Definition
musical instrument
A chordophone is a class of musical instruments that produce sound by vibrating strings. This group includes instruments such as violins, guitars, and pianos. Chordophones are categorized based on how the strings are set into vibration, whether by plucking, bowing, or striking.
Synonyms
string instrument, stringed instrument.
Examples of usage
- The violin is a popular chordophone used in classical music.
- Guitars are versatile chordophones found in many music genres.
- The piano, a large chordophone, can play both melody and harmony.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Types of Instruments
- Common examples of chordophones include violins, guitars, pianos, and harps.
- They can be either plucked (like a guitar) or bowed (like a violin) to produce sound.
Cultural Significance
- Various cultures around the world have developed unique chordophones, such as the sitar in India and the erhu in China.
- These instruments often play a vital role in traditional music, ceremonies, and storytelling.
Science of Sound
- The sound produced by chordophones is a result of the vibration of the strings, which creates waves in the air.
- The pitch of the sound can change based on the length, tension, and thickness of the strings.
Historical Development
- Chordophones have existed for thousands of years, with early examples being simple string instruments made from natural materials.
- The development of the violin family in the late Renaissance significantly advanced chordophone design and construction.
Origin of 'chordophone'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'chordophone' comes from Greek, where 'chord' means 'string' and 'phone' means 'sound' or 'voice'.
- It was first used in the 19th century to classify string instruments in a more scientific way.
The term 'chordophone' originates from the Greek words 'chorde', meaning 'string', and 'phone', meaning 'sound' or 'voice'. It was first introduced in the classification of musical instruments by Hornbostel and Sax in the early 20th century. This classification system aimed to categorize instruments based on the method of sound production. The chordophone classification encompasses a wide range of instruments that use strings as their primary means of sound generation. Over time, chordophones have evolved in design and usage across various cultures, with unique variations, such as the sitar in India and the banjo in American folk music. The study of chordophones also helps in understanding the development of musical styles and techniques in different musical traditions.