stretto Meaning

Keyword: Stretto

Definition:
In music, “stretto” refers to a passage in a composition that features the overlapping of subject entries in a fugue, where the subsequent entries of the theme come in before the previous ones are completed. This creates a sense of urgency and complexity in the music. In a broader context, it can also refer to a tightening or narrowing in a physical or metaphorical sense.

Usage:
The term is often used in discussing compositions by Baroque composers like Johann Sebastian Bach, where stretto passages create dramatic tension.
Example: “The climax of the fugue was enhanced by a brilliant stretto that brought all voices together.”

Etymology:
“Stretto” comes from the Italian word meaning “narrow” or “tight.” It is derived from the Latin word “strictus,” which means “drawn tight” or “close.”

Pronunciation:
/stˈrɛtoʊ/ (stret-toh)

Synonyms:

• Constrict (in a physical sense)
• Quickening (in a musical sense)

Antonyms:

• Largo (in music, meaning slow and broad)
• Loose (in a physical or metaphorical sense)

Feel free to ask for more information or other terms!

1. The musicians played the final passage in stretto, building intensity as they approached the climax of the piece.
2. In the Baroque fugue, the composer skillfully employed stretto to create a sense of urgency and excitement.
3. The conductor emphasized the stretto section, urging the orchestra to maintain a brisk tempo to highlight the intricate interplay of voices.
4. As the choir entered in stretto, the harmony intertwined beautifully, showcasing the lush textures of the composition.
5. The use of stretto in the sonata made the concluding movement particularly thrilling, leaving the audience in awe.