Virtuoso

A virtuoso is someone who has mastered a particular skill to perfection or using a special technique.

The word primarily for instrumental or vocal soloists used have an extraordinary technical mastery today, came from Latin ( virtus = virtue, ability ) via the Italian ( virtuoso = capable) into German. It generally refers to the particularly clever or masterful performing certain activities, but which is usually associated with a certain risk and thus evokes the admiration of the spectators. The musicologist Günter Oesterle describes virtuosity as a "permanent outdoing " the learned by imitation. Music is usually referred to as a virtuoso when it places high demands on the technical skills of the player, such as high speed of play, difficult chords, big jumps, taking advantage of the full tonal range.

Niccolò Paganini was a virtuoso on the violin, Franz Liszt and Frédéric Chopin were virtuosos on the piano. As today's virtuosos of the classical guitar exemplary Dominic Frasca or the musicians were called to Pepe Romero. The viola da gamba, it is for many of the Catalan viol player Jordi Savall. In popular music, a high technical level of play and singing, especially in jazz, progressive rock and hard rock / metal area is estimated (see also shredding ). As a virtuoso of these genres are musicians such as Charlie Parker ( Sax, Jazz ), Jordan Rudess ( keyb., Progressive Rock ) or eg Yngwie Malmsteen ( guit., Hard Rock / Heavy Metal ) viewed.

In the recent language development the name of the music was transferred to various other living and work areas: One can speak of " virtuoso chefs " as of " virtuosos at the computer keyboard." A virtuoso has developed his skills to the championship.

The term " virtuoso " is also used derogatory depending on the context, to describe a musical performance practice, especially when the player's technical skills are put on display, the musical quality but plays only a minor role.