Piccolo: meaning, definitions and examples

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piccolo

[pɪˈkəʊləʊ ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

musical instrument

A small flute-like musical instrument, usually pitched an octave higher than the ordinary flute.

Synonyms

small flute, small wind instrument.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
piccolo	Used specifically in a musical context to refer to a small woodwind instrument. It's common in orchestras and bands. The piccolo added a bright, high-pitched melody to the symphony. She played the piccolo in the school band.
small flute	Generally used to describe a flute that is smaller than the standard ones. It could refer to a piccolo but is less formal. She was practicing a small flute at home. The child was gifted a small flute to start learning music.
small wind instrument	A broader term that can describe any small instrument that produces sound via air flow. It may or may not specifically refer to a piccolo. Students were learning to play various small wind instruments in their music class. He preferred the sound of small wind instruments over larger ones.

Word

Description / Examples

piccolo

Used specifically in a musical context to refer to a small woodwind instrument. It's common in orchestras and bands.

The piccolo added a bright, high-pitched melody to the symphony.
She played the piccolo in the school band.

small flute

Generally used to describe a flute that is smaller than the standard ones. It could refer to a piccolo but is less formal.

She was practicing a small flute at home.
The child was gifted a small flute to start learning music.

small wind instrument

A broader term that can describe any small instrument that produces sound via air flow. It may or may not specifically refer to a piccolo.

Students were learning to play various small wind instruments in their music class.
He preferred the sound of small wind instruments over larger ones.

Examples of usage

The piccolo player stood out in the orchestra with their high-pitched notes.
She learned to play the piccolo in the school band.
The piccolo added a bright and lively sound to the symphony.
The piccolo solo was the highlight of the concert.
I could hear the piccolo playing in the distance.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'piccolo' comes from Italian, meaning 'small' or 'little'.
Originally, the instrument was called 'flauto piccolo', which means 'small flute' in Italian.
It was first developed in the early 18th century, becoming popular as an orchestral instrument.

Music

The piccolo has a higher pitch than the standard flute, often used to add brightness in orchestral music.
Piccolos are considered transposing instruments, meaning music written for them sounds an octave higher than written.
Famous composers, like Mozart, often included the piccolo in their orchestral works to create unique soundscapes.

Cultural Impact

The piccolo has been prominently featured in marching bands and wind ensembles, bringing vibrant sound to parades and performances.
In popular music, it has found its way into various genres, including jazz and rock, showing its versatility.
Disney famously used the piccolo in its animated films to represent whimsy and playfulness, enhancing the storytelling.

Technique

Playing the piccolo requires a unique embouchure, or mouth position, which differs from playing a regular flute.
It often demands extra breath control because of its small size, allowing for quicker and higher notes.
Musicians typically practice at higher volumes to ensure the sound cuts through, especially in ensembles.

Notable Figures

Some of the world's most famous classical flutists have also mastered the piccolo, showcasing its importance in music education.
Composers like J.S. Bach and Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach wrote pieces that featured the piccolo, highlighting its historical significance.
Jazz musicians, such as Buddy deFranco, have brought the piccolo to new audiences, demonstrating its adaptability in various music styles.

Translations

Translations of the word "piccolo" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pequeno

🇮🇳 छोटा (chhota)

🇩🇪 klein

🇮🇩 kecil

🇺🇦 малий

🇵🇱 mały

🇯🇵 小さい (chiisai)

🇫🇷 petit

🇪🇸 pequeño

🇹🇷 küçük

🇰🇷 작은 (jageun)

🇸🇦 صغير (saghir)

🇨🇿 malý

🇸🇰 malý

🇨🇳 小 (xiǎo)

🇸🇮 majhen

🇮🇸 lítið

🇰🇿 кішкентай

🇬🇪 პატარა (patara)

🇦🇿 kiçik

🇲🇽 pequeño

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,157 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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