Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'vibrato'

English Word: vibrato

Key Russian Translations:

• вибрато /vʲɪˈbrato/ - [Music term, Formal]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in music-related contexts, such as classical or vocal performance, but not in everyday conversation)

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1-B2 level, as it involves recognizing borrowed words and music terminology; suitable for learners with basic vocabulary but some exposure to specialized fields)

Pronunciation (Russian):

вибрато: /vʲɪˈbrato/

Note on вибрато: The initial 'в' is pronounced as a voiced labiodental fricative, similar to the English 'v', but with a soft palatalization in Russian. Be mindful of the stress on the second syllable, which is common in borrowed words.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning: A musical technique involving a regular, pulsating variation in pitch to add expression and emotion to a note.

Translation(s) & Context:

• вибрато - Used primarily in formal music contexts, such as singing, violin playing, or other instrumental performances to describe the trembling effect.

Usage Examples:

• В его пении было заметное вибрато, которое придавало голосу теплоту и глубину.

  In his singing, there was a noticeable vibrato that added warmth and depth to his voice.

• Скрипач мастерски использовал вибрато, чтобы подчеркнуть эмоциональность мелодии.

  The violinist skillfully used vibrato to emphasize the emotionality of the melody.

• Без вибрато звук фортепиано кажется слишком ровным и лишенным выразительности.

  Without vibrato, the piano sound seems too even and lacking in expressiveness.

• В оперном исполнении вибрато помогает певцу передать страсть и драму сцены.

  In opera performance, vibrato helps the singer convey passion and drama of the scene.

• На уроке музыки учитель объяснил, как применять вибрато для улучшения тона инструмента.

  In the music lesson, the teacher explained how to apply vibrato to improve the instrument's tone.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Вибрато" is a neuter noun borrowed from Italian via English, and it generally does not undergo significant inflection in Russian due to its status as a foreign term. It remains unchanged in most cases, which is common for modern loanwords in Russian grammar.

However, if used in sentences, it can appear in different forms for agreement:

Note: Plural forms are rare and typically not used, as the term refers to a technique rather than countable objects.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: тремоло (tremolo - similar but often implies a faster, more rapid variation; used in specific instrumental contexts)
• Antonyms: There are no direct antonyms, as "вибрато" describes a specific technique rather than a scalable quality.

Related Phrases:

• техника вибрато - Technique of vibrato; refers to the method of producing the effect, often in music education.
• с вибрато - With vibrato; used to describe performance style, e.g., in instructions for musicians.
• вибрато в голосе - Vibrato in the voice; common in discussions of vocal training or singing.

Usage Notes:

"Вибрато" directly corresponds to the English "vibrato" as a musical term and is used in formal or professional contexts, such as concerts, music lessons, or critiques. It is not typically used in casual conversation, so learners should reserve it for specialized discussions. When choosing between translations, "вибрато" is the most precise due to its borrowed status. Grammatically, it functions as an indeclinable noun, meaning it doesn't change form based on case, which simplifies usage but requires attention to sentence structure for agreement with adjectives or verbs.

Common Errors:

• Common Error: Mispronouncing the word as /vɪˈbrɑːto/ with an English accent, ignoring the Russian palatalized 'в' sound.

  Correct Usage: Pronounce as /vʲɪˈbrato/, with the soft 'в'. Example: Incorrect - "вибрАто" (over-emphasizing the first syllable); Correct - "вибраТО".

• Common Error: Using it in non-musical contexts, such as everyday speech, which can sound awkward.

  Correct Usage: Reserve for music-related topics. Example: Incorrect - "Его речь имела вибрато" (His speech had vibrato); Correct - Avoid this entirely, as it doesn't apply.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "вибрато" is particularly associated with classical music traditions, such as opera and symphony performances. It reflects the influence of Western European music on Russian art, especially during the 19th and 20th centuries, as seen in composers like Tchaikovsky. Mastering vibrato is often viewed as a sign of advanced skill in vocal or instrumental training, emphasizing emotional expression in performances.

Related Concepts:

• тремоло
• форте
• пиано
• арпеджио