Quintet Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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quintet

[kwɪnˈtɛt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

musical group

A quintet is a group of five musicians or singers who perform together. This term is particularly used in classical music and jazz genres, where five individuals collaborate to create a harmonious sound. The arrangement can include various instruments or voices, and the combination often leads to rich and complex musical compositions. In a broader sense, quintets can also refer to any group of five people or things working together.

Synonyms

band, ensemble, group.

Examples of usage

  • The jazz quintet performed at the local club last night.
  • She was part of a string quintet during her college years.
  • The famous quintet released a new album this summer.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Music

  • Classical music often features string quintets, usually consisting of two violins, two violas, and a cello.
  • Famous composers like Beethoven and Schubert wrote notable quintets that are still popular today.
  • In jazz, a quintet allows for rich improvisation and collaboration, showcasing each member's talent.

Cultural References

  • A famous literary work titled 'The Quintet' involves five distinct stories woven together.
  • In modern pop culture, various bands and musical groups with five members are often referred to as a quintet.
  • Film soundtracks sometimes include quintets to add depth and complexity to emotional scenes.

Mathematics

  • Mathematically, a quintet can be thought of as a set with exactly five elements, often used in set theory.
  • In combinatorics, a quintet represents selections where the order may or may not matter, impacting calculations.

Social Dynamics

  • A quintet can be used to study group dynamics and collaboration, especially in team performance situations.
  • Research shows that groups of five often balance social interaction and task completion effectively.
  • A quintet can be more adaptable than larger teams, allowing for easier coordination and communication.

Origin of 'quintet'

Main points about word origin

  • The term originates from the Latin word 'quintus,' meaning 'fifth.'
  • In music, it refers to a musical piece performed by five instruments or voices.
  • The concept of a quintet has been around since the Renaissance period, evolving through classical music into modern genres.

The term 'quintet' has its roots in the Latin word 'quintus,' meaning 'fifth.' It emerged during the late 16th century, as musical ensembles began to formalize into groups of specific sizes. Originally used in the context of vocal and instrumental music, the concept of a quintet allowed composers to explore new harmonies and textures by combining the sounds of five instruments or voices. As music evolved through the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic periods, the quintet became a prominent format for various combinations of instruments, such as string quintets and woodwind quintets. The term has since transcended its musical origins and is now often used in various fields to describe any group of five entities working collaboratively.


Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,665, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.