OCTAVE MANDOLIN Meaning and
Definition
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An octave mandolin refers to a musical instrument that belongs to the mandolin family. It features a unique construction and tuning which produces a rich and resonant tone. The term "octave" signifies that the instrument is tuned an octave below the traditional mandolin, thereby providing a lower pitch range.
The body of an octave mandolin is typically larger than that of a regular mandolin, resembling the shape of a small guitar or bouzouki. It consists of a soundboard, or the top, made from various tonewoods such as spruce or cedar, as well as a back and sides usually crafted from mahogany, maple, or rosewood. The neck is usually extended and longer, allowing for the added lower range. The instrument might have four or five double courses of strings, depending on the specific design and preference of the player.
When it comes to tuning, the strings of an octave mandolin are typically tuned in fifths, such as G, D, A, and E, starting from the lowest pitched string. This configuration allows the musician to play melodies, chords, and harmonies across a broader tonal spectrum compared to a regular mandolin. By providing a deeper and richer sound, the octave mandolin is particularly suited for accompaniment in various musical genres including folk, traditional, and contemporary music.
Overall, the octave mandolin is an intriguing musical instrument that combines the unique characteristics of the traditional mandolin with a lower pitch range, offering musicians a versatile and expressive tool to create beautiful music.
Etymology of OCTAVE MANDOLIN
The word "octave mandolin" is a compound word that combines two different words: "octave" and "mandolin".
- "Octave" comes from the Latin word "octavus", meaning "eighth". In music, an octave refers to the interval between one musical pitch and another with double its frequency. It is called an octave because there are seven whole steps within this interval, resulting in a total of eight notes, including the starting and ending notes.
- "Mandolin" comes from the Italian word "mandolino", which is a diminutive form of "mandola". "Mandola" is a word derived from the Late Latin "pandura", referring to a musical instrument of the lute family. The mandolin is a stringed instrument belonging to the lute family and is typically associated with Italian music.
