tessitura

[te-ssi-too-rah]

tessitura Definition

the range within which a voice or instrument is most comfortable singing or playing.

Using tessitura: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "tessitura" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The song's tessitura was too high for her to sing comfortably.

  • Example

    The piece's tessitura is mostly in the lower register of the instrument.

  • Example

    The composer wrote the melody with a tessitura that highlights the strengths of the singer.

tessitura Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for tessitura

  • range
  • pitch range
  • vocal range

Phrases with tessitura

  • a range of notes that are higher than usual for a particular voice or instrument

    Example

    The soprano struggled with the high tessitura of the aria.

  • a range of notes that are lower than usual for a particular voice or instrument

    Example

    The bass-baritone's low tessitura was perfect for the role of Don Giovanni.

  • a range of notes that goes beyond the usual range for a particular voice or instrument

    Example

    The composer challenged the violinist with an extended tessitura in the concerto.

Origins of tessitura

from Italian 'tessitura', meaning 'texture, weave'

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Summary: tessitura in Brief

'Tessitura' [te-ssi-too-rah] refers to the range of notes that a voice or instrument is most comfortable singing or playing. It can be high, low, or extended beyond the usual range. Examples include 'The song's tessitura was too high for her to sing comfortably.' and 'The composer wrote the melody with a tessitura that highlights the strengths of the singer.'