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DictionarytremoloWavering musical effect
noun

tremolo

TREM-uh-loh/ˈtremələʊ/

A rapid wavering or pulsing effect in a musical sound.

The violinist uses tremolo to give the music a shivering quality.

A violinist rapidly repeats a bow stroke near the string, subtle back-and-forth motion strokes suggesting tremolo.
Etymology
tremoloLatintrembling, quivering

The image of trembling became a description of musical sound: rapid repetition or variation makes a tone seem to quiver, giving tremolo its characteristic wavering effect.

In context

OrchestrationOnline32:35
starting here in the double reeds let's jump back a little bit and talk about some of the supporting characters I really love this right down here the triplet measured tremolo here
Schoenberg: 5 Pieces for Orchestra, 5 - Obbligato Recitative

More examples

  • The guitar's tremolo makes each chord pulse in volume.
  • Rapid bow strokes create a soft tremolo on the violin.
  • The strings' dramatic tremolos heighten the tension.

Forms

tremolo · tremolos

Similar words

vibrato
Varies pitch slightly rather than repeating notes or pulsing volume.
trill
Alternates rapidly between two neighboring notes, not necessarily changing volume.