Mezzo: meaning, definitions and examples

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mezzo

 

[ หˆmษ›tอกsoสŠ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

musical term

The term 'mezzo' is used in music to describe a moderate level of loudness or intensity. It can be used in terms such as 'mezzo-soprano', which refers to a female voice that lies between soprano and contralto. The use of 'mezzo' can also indicate a particular dynamic range, suggesting a softer sound than 'forte' but louder than 'piano'. In orchestral settings, this term helps to guide the performers in achieving the desired emotional effect.

Synonyms

average, medium, moderate

Examples of usage

  • She sang beautifully as a mezzo-soprano.
  • The conductor asked for a mezzo dynamic in the passage.
  • His playing was too loud; it needs to be more mezzo.

Translations

Translations of the word "mezzo" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น meio

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฎเคงเฅเคฏ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Mittel

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ setengah

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัะตั€ะตะดะธะฝะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ ล›rodek

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ไธญ้–“

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท milieu

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ medio

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท orta

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ค‘๊ฐ„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ูˆุณุท

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ stล™ed

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ stred

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ไธญ้—ด

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ sredina

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ miรฐja

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะพั€ั‚ะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒกแƒแƒจแƒฃแƒแƒšแƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ orta

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ medio

Etymology

The word 'mezzo' comes from the Italian word for 'middle' or 'half', which itself is derived from Latin 'medius' meaning 'middle'. In musical terminology, it has been adopted to describe various degrees of intensity and pitch within vocal classifications and dynamics. The incorporation of 'mezzo' into Western music notation began during the Renaissance period, where composers started to specify the desired volume and tone qualities for performers. Over time, this term became increasingly important as it allowed musicians to convey a more nuanced expression in their performances. 'Mezzo' is commonly encountered in music instruction, performance, and composition, highlighting the term's vital role in shaping the interpretation of musical works.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,629, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.