sopranino

[ soh-pruh-nee-noh ]

noun

, plural so·pra·ni·nos.

1. a musical instrument, as a saxophone or recorder, that is a pitch higher than the soprano instrument of its class.

sopranino

/ ˌsɒprəˈniːnəʊ /

noun

1. 1. the instrument with the highest possible pitch in a family of instruments
   2. ( as modifier )

      a sopranino recorder

Word History and Origins

Origin of sopranino¹

1900–05; < Italian, equivalent to sopran ( o ) soprano + -ino diminutive suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of sopranino¹

Italian, diminutive of soprano

Example Sentences

Also on offer was Ewart’s piping, ecstatic approach to the sopranino saxophone, informed by bebop and the avant-garde alike.

From New York Times

When Roscoe Mitchell brandished his sopranino sax on the piece just after “Edge,” it was in short staccato bursts of honk and screech that created a unique layer of syncopation.

From Washington Post

His flights of fancy on the sopranino recorder relied on elaborately soulful ornamentation in the slow movement, accompanied by two violins and viola that played with gossamer grace.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr. Coltrane, who played much of the set on sopranino saxophone, provided the trio’s most heroic voice, its main source of impassioned exposition.

From New York Times

Mr. Braxton, playing alto, soprano, sopranino and baritone saxophones, brings his usual incorrigible insight.

From New York Times