Arpeggione

Definition

The arpeggione is a musical instrument that combines characteristics of both the guitar and the cello, developed in the early 19th century. It features six strings and is played with a bow, similar to string instruments, but it also has frets like a guitar. Although it was short-lived in terms of popularity, the arpeggione represents the experimentation and innovation in instrument design during a time when orchestras were expanding their ranges and capabilities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The arpeggione was invented by the Viennese luthier Johann Georg Staufer in 1823 and was intended for use in salons and small chamber settings.
2. Despite its unique design, the arpeggione did not achieve lasting popularity and was eventually overshadowed by other string instruments like the cello and guitar.
3. Franz Schubert wrote a famous sonata for arpeggione and piano (D. 821), which remains one of the few notable works for this instrument.
4. The arpeggione's construction includes a hollow body and fretted neck, which makes it distinct from traditional bowed string instruments.
5. Today, the arpeggione is rarely seen but has gained some interest among musicians seeking to explore its unique sound through historical performance practices.

Review Questions

• How does the design of the arpeggione reflect the innovations in instrumentation during its time?
  • The design of the arpeggione showcases innovations in instrumentation by merging features from both the guitar and cello. Its six strings and fretted neck allow for versatile playing techniques similar to a guitar, while its ability to be bowed connects it to traditional string instruments. This blend reflects a broader trend during the Romantic era where musicians sought new ways to express themselves through unique instrumental combinations.
• Discuss the impact of the arpeggione's short-lived popularity on the evolution of orchestral music.
  • The short-lived popularity of the arpeggione demonstrates how quickly trends can change within orchestral music. While it introduced a new timbre and playing style, its eventual decline meant that composers turned back to more established instruments. This shift allowed orchestras to refine their sounds using instruments with greater versatility, like strings or winds that could sustain longer periods of popularity and practical use in larger ensembles.
• Evaluate the significance of Schubert's sonata for arpeggione in understanding the role of niche instruments in Romantic music.
  • Schubert's sonata for arpeggione highlights the significance of niche instruments within Romantic music by illustrating how they can be vehicles for emotional expression. This work is one of few that remains prominent in classical repertoire for such an uncommon instrument, reflecting both its potential for innovative sounds and the ephemeral nature of certain musical trends. It shows how even lesser-known instruments can shape compositional styles and contribute to diverse musical narratives during this rich era.

Related terms

Romanticism:

A cultural movement that emerged in the late 18th century and emphasized emotion, individualism, and nature, influencing art, literature, and music during the 19th century.

Bowed String Instruments: Instruments that produce sound through the vibration of strings when they are drawn by a bow, including violins, cellos, and violas.

Instrumentation: The study and practice of arranging music for different instruments, often focusing on how to combine sounds to create various textures and colors in orchestral settings.