1. Italian Musical Loan Words 97501022 Sharon Lien

2. Why are there so many musical words came from Italian? Western music began from Church music. From 6 century Pope Gregory I’s Gregorian Chant, Church had great influence over music.

3. Because early in the fourteen century, people in Florence begin to used Italian create their music works, and many early musician in Renaissance are Italians. Italian musical terms spread widely in Europe. Mozart had use German to create his works, but people think it was not elegant since Italian is more similar to Latin. After this tragedy, people all used Italian to create music works.

4. Musical words originated from Italian– 16 century EnglishItalian originMeanings Violin (1579)violinoLiteral: be joyful Italian: diminutive of viola Now: the smallest and highest-pitched member of the violin family Duo (1590)duoLiteral: two Now: song for two voices

5. Musical words originated from Italian– 17 century EnglishItalian originMeanings Opera (1646)Opera musicaleLiteral: a work (of music) Now: a musical play in which all of the words are sung Piano (1683)pianoforteLiteral: soft, loud Now: soft, or Concert (1665)concertoLiteral: harmony, concert Now: a performance given by musicians or singers

6. Musical words originated from Italian– 17 century EnglishItalian OriginMeanings Sonata (1694)sonataLiteral: sounded Now: a piece of music with three or four parts that is written for a piano, or for a piano and another instrument Solo (1695)soloLiteral: alone Now: piece of music for one instrument or voice.

7. Musical words originated from Italian– 18 century EnglishItalian originMeanings Tempo (1724)tempoLiteral: time Now: The speed of a piece of music Soprano (1730)sopranoLiteral: high; sopra: above Now: the highest singing voice prima donna (1782)Prima donnaLiteral: first lady Now: principal female singer in an opera Alto (1784) (in textbook 16c) altusLiteral: high Now: notes at the second highest level, below a soprano. Bravo (1761)braveLiteral: brave, bold Now: splendid, valiant

8. Conclusion Since the early development in music, there are many musical terms originated from Italy. Because music is still developing, there are more and more musical terms that are not from Italian.