vibrato
A slight, rapid variation in pitch used to add warmth and expression to a note.
In Depth
Vibrato is a slight, rapid oscillation in pitch applied to a sustained note, adding warmth, life, and expressiveness. On string instruments, vibrato is produced by rocking the fingertip on the string. Singers achieve it through subtle variations in airflow and laryngeal tension. Wind players use a combination of diaphragm pulsing and embouchure adjustment.
Vibrato is one of the most personal aspects of an instrumentalist's or singer's sound. Its speed, width, and constancy contribute significantly to individual tone quality and style. In orchestral string playing, a warm, continuous vibrato has been standard since the early 20th century. Earlier practice used vibrato as an ornament rather than a constant feature, and the historically informed performance movement has revived this more sparing approach.
Early 20th-century recordings reveal that constant vibrato was not always the norm — many violinists used a straighter tone and added vibrato only for emphasis, a practice the historically informed movement has revived.