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falsetto

falsetto [Ital.,=diminutive of false ], high-pitched, unnatural tones above the normal register of the male voice , produced, according to some theories, by the vibration of only the edges of the larynx. Some male altos are tenors skilled in the use of falsetto. Falsetto tone is usually thin and expressionless, but can be used with good effect.

falsetto

oxford

views updated May 17 2018

fal·set·to / fôlˈsetō/ • n. (pl. -tos) Mus. a method of voice production used by male singers, esp. tenors, to sing notes higher than their normal range: he sang in a piercing falsetto. ∎ a voice or sound that is unusually or unnaturally high.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

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falsetto

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views updated Jun 27 2018

falsetto (It.). Singing method used by males, particularly tens., to achieve a note or notes higher than comes within the normal range of their v. Often used for comic effect, e.g. Falstaff imitating the Merry Wives in Verdi's opera.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music MICHAEL KENNEDY and JOYCE BOURNE

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falsetto

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views updated Jun 27 2018

falsetto (mus.) voice of a register above the natural. XVIII. — It., dim. of falso FALSE.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

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