falsetto

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

falsetto

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

falsetto

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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