stretto

[ stret-oh ]

noun

, Music.

, plural stret·ti [stret, -ee], stret·tos.

1. the close overlapping of statements of the subject in a fugue, each voice entering immediately after the preceding one.

stretto

/ ˈstrɛtəʊ /

noun

1. (in a fugue) the close overlapping of two parts or voices, the second one entering before the first has completed its statement of the subject
2. Also calledstrettaˈstrɛtə a concluding passage in a composition, played at a faster speed than the earlier material

Word History and Origins

Origin of stretto¹

1745–55; < Italian: literally, narrow < Latin strictus. See strict, strait

Word History and Origins

Origin of stretto¹

C17: from Italian, from Latin strictus tightly bound; see strict

Example Sentences

The first and last quartet end with a thoroughly worked-out fugue, complete with stretto and inversions.

From Project Gutenberg

The chief feature in this brilliant passage is a piling up of the theme in stretto form (see measures 148-153).

From Project Gutenberg

A stretto is a net, and if one is not constantly on the watch, he is caught in its meshes.

From Project Gutenberg

One of its rules was that every fugue should have a stretto.

From Project Gutenberg

The middle-section, the stretto-work, and the powerful ending, give the fugue the right to exist.

From Project Gutenberg