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Sackbut Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sackbut

[ˈsakbʌt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

musical instrument

A sackbut is a brass musical instrument similar to a trombone, but with a smaller bell and a more conical bore. It was commonly used in Renaissance and Baroque music.

Synonyms

brass instrument, slide trumpet, trombone.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sackbut

Refer to historical or early forms of the trombone used in Renaissance and Baroque music. It is often used in discussions about historical music and period performances.

  • The ensemble performs medieval music featuring instruments like the sackbut.
  • He specializes in playing the sackbut as part of a Baroque orchestra.
trombone

Refer to a modern brass instrument with a telescoping slide used in various genres of music including classical, jazz, and marching bands.

  • He has been playing the trombone in the jazz band for years.
  • The orchestra's brass section features trumpets and trombones.
brass instrument

General term for musical instruments made of brass or other metals that produce sound through the vibration of lips. It can be used in broader conversations about musical instruments.

  • She plays the trumpet, a popular brass instrument.
  • The brass instrument section includes trumpets, trombones, and tubas.
slide trumpet

Refer to a type of trumpet with a slide mechanism, similar to a trombone, used primarily during the Renaissance and Baroque periods. It is used in discussions about historical versions of the trumpet.

  • The musician demonstrated the unique sound of the slide trumpet.
  • Slide trumpets were common before the modern trumpet was developed.

Examples of usage

  • The sackbut player added a rich and warm tone to the ensemble.
  • She mastered the art of playing the sackbut with precision and emotion.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Significance

  • Sackbuts were popular in the Renaissance and early Baroque periods, often used in church music and ensembles.
  • The instrument was favored by composers such as Giovanni Gabrieli and Michael Praetorius, who wrote specific music for it.

Pop Culture

  • The sackbut has made appearances in modern media, including films and shows that depict historical music.
  • Some contemporary musicians use the sackbut in fusion ensembles to blend old and new musical styles.

Music Theory

  • It has a unique sound that is distinct from other brass instruments, recognized for its warm and mellow tone.
  • The sackbut is played in the tenor range, making it versatile for various musical compositions.

Reconstruction and Revival

  • Today, original sackbuts are rebuilt for historical performance, allowing musicians to experience the music of past centuries.
  • Ensembles specializing in early music frequently include sackbuts to create authentic soundscapes reflective of the eras they recreate.

Origin of 'sackbut'

Main points about word origin

  • The name 'sackbut' comes from the French word 'saquebute,' which means to pull out or to draw, reflecting its sliding mechanism.
  • It evolved from the Latin word 'sacca,' meaning bag or sack, referring to its shape and the way it can be played.

The word 'sackbut' originated from the Old French word 'saqueboute', which in turn came from the Old Spanish word 'sacabuche'. The instrument itself has roots in ancient civilizations such as the Roman Empire and has evolved over centuries to become the sackbut we know today.

See also: sack, sacked, sacking.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,236, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.