How Do You Spell BASSVIOL?

Pronunciation: [bˈasva͡ɪ͡əl] (IPA)

The word bassviol is spelled with two s's, unlike the word bass guitar which uses only one. This is because the word derives from the Old French "basse viol" (meaning low-pitched stringed instrument) where the second s was included to indicate the plural. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is pronounced /beɪsviːəl/, with stress on the first syllable and a long "i" sound in the second syllable. The word is often used interchangeably with "double bass" or "upright bass" in contemporary music.

BASSVIOL Meaning and Definition

1. A bassviol, also known as a double bass or contrabass, is a large string instrument primarily used in orchestras, jazz ensembles, and various musical genres for its deep, resonant tones and powerful presence. It belongs to the string family of instruments and is the largest and lowest-pitched member of this family.

   The bassviol typically has four strings that are tuned in fourths, from low to high: E1, A1, D2, and G2. The strings are usually made of twisted gut, although modern instruments may use steel or synthetic materials. The body of the bassviol consists of a hollow wooden soundbox that serves as a resonance chamber, reinforced by internal support systems like soundpost and bass bar.

   The instrument is played by either plucking the strings with the fingers, known as pizzicato, or using a bow to create a sustained sound similar to the technique used on the violin family. Bassviols are usually played in a standing or seated position, often using a strap or a stool for support due to the instrument's large size and weight.

   The bassviol produces rich, deep tones that provide the foundation and rhythmic drive in many musical ensembles. It is highly versatile and capable of playing both melodic and rhythmic roles. As an essential part of the orchestra and jazz bands, the bassviol contributes to the harmonic structure, provides a strong rhythm section, and offers expressive solos.

Common Misspellings for BASSVIOL

• vassviol
• nassviol
• hassviol
• gassviol
• bzssviol
• bsssviol
• bwssviol
• bqssviol
• baasviol
• bazsviol
• baxsviol
• badsviol
• baesviol
• bawsviol
• basaviol
• baszviol
• basxviol
• basdviol
• baswviol
• bassciol

Etymology of BASSVIOL

The word "bassviol" is derived from a combination of two words: "bass" and "viol".

The term "bass" originated from the Middle English word "bas" or "basse", which in turn derived from the Old French word "baisse" and ultimately from the Latin word "bassus". "Bassus" means low, deep, or low-pitched.

The term "viol" comes from the Latin word "vitula", which referred to a musical instrument with strings. Over time, "vitula" evolved into "viola", which eventually became "viol" in English. The word "viol" was used to describe a variety of stringed instruments, particularly bowed instruments, during the medieval and Renaissance eras.

So, when combined, "bassviol" literally means a low-pitched instrument within the family of violins or stringed instruments.