A Closer Look 2-Lesson 4

vibrato

noun

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a slight, rapid variation in pitch and intensity of a note

Example

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The singer's expressive vibrato added warmth and emotion to the aria.

The cellist's vibrato enriched the tone of the melody, imbuing it with depth and character.

What is "vibrato"?

Vibrato is a musical technique where the pitch of a note is slightly and rapidly varied to create a richer, more expressive sound. This effect is achieved by moving the pitch of the note up and down in a controlled manner. Vibrato adds warmth and depth to the sound, helping to convey emotion and enhance the musical performance. It is commonly used on string instruments, such as the violin and guitar, as well as on wind instruments and in vocal performances.

virtuoso

noun

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someone who is highly skilled at playing a musical instrument

Who is a "virtuoso"?

A virtuoso is a highly skilled musician known for their exceptional technical ability and artistry. Virtuosos often excel in their instrument or vocal performance, showcasing remarkable precision, speed, and creativity. Their expertise and command over their craft allow them to perform complex and challenging pieces with impressive ease and expressiveness. Virtuosos are frequently recognized for their outstanding contributions to music and their ability to captivate audiences with their extraordinary performances.

ad hoc

Adverb

/ˈæd hˈɑːk/

for a certain purpose, especially an immediate one

Grammatical Information:

interrogative adverb

ad infinitum

Adverb

/ˈæd ɪnfˈɪnaɪɾəm/

in a way that occurs continuously without a limit

Grammatical Information:

interrogative adverb

ad nauseam

Adverb

/ˈæd nˈɔːziəm/

excessively repeated to the point of annoyance

alma mater

noun

/ˈɑːlmə mˈeɪɾɚ/

the university, college, or school that one used to study at

What is "alma mater"?

Alma mater refers to the school, college, or university that one has attended and graduated from. It is often used to describe a sense of attachment or pride in the institution, and alumni may refer to their alma mater with fondness as a place where they gained education, experience, and personal growth.

alumnus

noun

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a person, particularly a male one, who is a former student of a college, university, or school

Who is an "alumnus"?

An alumnus is an individual, particularly a male, who has previously attended and graduated from a particular college, university, or school. This term refers to someone who is no longer a current student but has completed their studies and earned a degree or diploma. Alumnus typically remains connected to their educational institution through alumni associations or events, often contributing to or supporting their alma mater.

Grammatical Information:

Plural form

alumni

a.m.

Adverb

/ˌeɪˈɛm/

between midnight and noon

incomparable

p.m.

Adverb

/ˌpiˈɛm/

after noon and before midnight

incomparable

bona fide

Adjective

/bˈoʊnə fˈaɪd/

genuine and not fake

platonic

Adjective

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(of a relationship) characterized by emotional closeness without romantic or sexual elements

stoic

Adjective

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not displaying emotions and not complaining, especially in difficult and painful situations

typhoon

noun

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a tropical storm with violent winds moving in a circle that form over the western Pacific Ocean

arpeggio

noun

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a musical technique where the notes of a chord are played individually in a sequence rather than simultaneously

What is an "arpeggio"?

An arpeggio is a musical technique where the notes of a chord are played in sequence, one after another, rather than simultaneously. It is often played in an ascending or descending order, creating a flowing, broken chord effect. For example, if a chord consists of the notes C, E, and G, an arpeggio would involve playing these notes individually in a smooth, connected manner. Arpeggios are commonly used in various musical styles to add texture and movement to a piece.

tempo

noun

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the speed that a piece of music is or should be played at

What is a "tempo"?

Tempo is the speed at which a piece of music is played. It indicates how fast or slow the beat of the music should be, affecting the overall pace of the performance. Tempo is usually measured in beats per minute (BPM) and can be marked in sheet music with terms like "allegro" for fast or "adagio" for slow. It helps to set the mood and energy of the music, guiding performers on how quickly or slowly to play each section.

cappuccino

noun

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a type of coffee made from espresso mixed with hot milk or cream

What is "cappuccino"?

Cappuccino is a popular coffee-based beverage that is made with equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and frothed milk. It is typically served in a small cup and has a creamy and smooth texture, with a balance of sweet and bitter flavors. The espresso is the base of the drink, while the steamed milk adds a smooth and velvety texture, and the frothed milk adds a light and airy foam on top. Cappuccino is often decorated with a dusting of cocoa powder or cinnamon and is enjoyed as a morning or mid-day pick-me-up. It is a staple of coffee culture around the world and is often served in cafes, restaurants, and coffee shops. Cappuccino is a versatile and customizable beverage that can be adapted to suit individual tastes and preferences.

coloratura

noun

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a type of soprano singer known for their ability to perform intricate and embellished vocal passages

Who is a "coloratura"?

Coloratura refers to a type of singer, usually a soprano, known for their ability to perform elaborate and intricate vocal passages with agility and precision. This type of singing involves rapid runs, trills, and high notes, showcasing exceptional technical skill and control. Coloratura singers often take on roles that require a high degree of vocal ornamentation and are featured prominently in operas and other vocal performances that demand these advanced abilities.

forte

Adjective

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played or sung loudly or with strong emphasis

piano

grave

Adjective

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Disapproving

serious and solemn in manner or character

incognito

Adverb

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in disguise or using a false identity to avoid being recognized

larghetto

Adjective

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Specialized

used to describe a moderately slow tempo, slower than andante but faster than largo

mezzo-soprano

noun

/mˈɛzoʊsəpɹˈɑːnoʊ/

a type of classical female singing voice situated between the soprano and contralto ranges

What is "mezzo-soprano"?

Mezzo-soprano is a type of female singing voice that lies between the soprano and contralto ranges. It is characterized by a warm, rich tone and covers notes from the middle to lower part of the vocal spectrum. Mezzo-soprano voices are often used for roles that require a versatile voice with both dramatic and lyrical qualities. This voice type is commonly featured in opera, choral music, and other vocal performances and can portray a wide variety of characters, from young heroines to older, more complex figures.

mezzo voce

noun

/mˈɛzoʊ vˈoʊs/

Specialized

a moderate or half voice, meaning to sing or play at a medium volume, not too loud or too soft

Grammatical Information:

compound noun

partita

noun

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Specialized

a musical suite, typically a collection of dance movements, often in the Baroque period

soprano

noun

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a female or young male singer with a singing voice that has the highest range

Who is a "soprano"?

A soprano is a female or young male singer with the highest vocal range in classical and operatic music. Sopranos are able to sing the highest notes and typically perform the highest parts in both solo and choral settings. Their voices are noted for their bright, clear, and often powerful sound, making them suitable for leading roles in operas and other musical performances.

staccato

Adjective

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a style of playing or singing musical notes with short, distinct intervals between them

legato

fetus

noun

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an offspring of a human or animal that is not born yet, particularly a human aged more than eight weeks after conception

gratis

Adverb

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without costing anything

Grammatical Information:

interrogative adverb

hypothesis

noun

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an explanation based on limited facts and evidence that is not yet proved to be true

i.e.

Adverb

/ˈaɪiː/

used to introduce a clarification or explanation

per capita

Adverb

/pɜː kˈæpɪɾə/

per person

per se

Adverb

/pˌɜː sˈeɪ/

used to describe something as it is, without comparing it to other things

post scriptum

noun

/pˈoʊst skɹˈɪptəm/

Specialized

an additional thought or comment added after the main body of a letter or document, usually after the signature

Grammatical Information:

compound noun

proforma

noun

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Formal

something done as a formality or for the sake of procedure, often without necessarily having practical significance

quantum

noun

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the smallest possible amount of a particular quantity that cannot be divided any further

sputum

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mucus or phlegm that is coughed up from the respiratory tract, typically as a result of infection or disease

status

noun

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the condition or situation of something or someone at a particular moment in time

status quo

noun

/stˈæɾəs kwˈoʊ/

the situation or condition that is currently at hand

Grammatical Information:

compound noun

verbatim

Adverb

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exactly as spoken or written originally without any changes or additions

Grammatical Information:

interrogative adverb

vice versa

Adverb

/vˈaɪs vˈɜːsə/

with the order or relations reversed

Grammatical Information:

adverb of manner

aficionado

noun

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a person who is knowledgeable and enthusiastic about a particular activity, subject, or interest

cabana

noun

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a hut, shelter, or cabin, usually at a swimming pool or beach

What is a "cabana"?

A cabana is a small, simple structure, usually found by the beach or poolside, that provides shelter or shade. It is often open on one or more sides and can be used for relaxing, changing clothes, or storing outdoor items. Cabanas are typically made of lightweight materials like wood, canvas, or bamboo and are popular in vacation spots or resorts. They are designed to offer comfort and protection from the sun while blending in with outdoor settings. Some cabanas may have seating, curtains, or even a small kitchen or bar area.

cantina

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Informal

Specialized

a bar or small restaurant, often one that serves wine or alcoholic beverages, especially in Mediterranean countries

hasta mañana

phrase

/hˈeɪstə (es)maɲˈana(en-us)/

Everyday expression

used to say "see you tomorrow," often used as a friendly farewell when you expect to meet someone again the next day

mucho

Adverb

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Informal

used to express a large quantity or degree of something, meaning "much," "a lot," or "many" depending on context

pronto

Adverb

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Informal

without wasting any time; immediately

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You learned 46 words from A Closer Look 2: Lesson 4. To improve learning and review vocabulary, start practicing.

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