VOIX CELESTE Meaning and
Definition
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Voix Celeste is a French musical term that literally translates to "celestial voice" in English. It is a specific stop or register found on a pipe organ, particularly those of French origin, although it can also be found on certain other keyboard instruments, such as the harmonium. The term refers to a particular type of organ stop that produces a timbre or tone quality reminiscent of a heavenly or ethereal voice.
A Voix Celeste stop is created by slightly detuning two sets of organ pipes that are of the same pitch and stop or rank, typically by a few cents. This slight detuning brings about a beat frequency, creating a distinct and unique vibrato-like effect. The ethereal quality of the sound produced by a Voix Celeste is often described as a shimmering, celestial, or otherworldly voice, resembling the sound of human voices singing in close harmony.
Due to its distinctive and evocative timbre, the Voix Celeste has often been employed to add a mystical, otherworldly aura to organ music. It is frequently used in sacred music compositions, particularly in pieces of a reflective or contemplative nature. The Voix Celeste stop can be found in various pipe organ divisions, such as the swell, great, or choir, and can be used individually or in combination with other stops to create a specific musical effect.
In summary, Voix Celeste refers to an organ stop that produces a heavenly or celestial voice-like sound, characterized by the detuning of two sets of organ pipes of the same pitch to create a unique shimmering effect.
Common Misspellings for VOIX CELESTE
- coix celeste
- boix celeste
- goix celeste
- foix celeste
- viix celeste
- vkix celeste
- vlix celeste
- vpix celeste
- v0ix celeste
- v9ix celeste
- voux celeste
- vojx celeste
- vokx celeste
- voox celeste
- vo9x celeste
- vo8x celeste
- voiz celeste
- voic celeste
- void celeste
Etymology of VOIX CELESTE
The term "Voix Celeste" is of French origin.
"Voix" translates to "voice" in English, and "Celeste" means "heavenly" or "celestial". The word "Celeste" is derived from the Latin word "caelum", which means "sky" or "heaven".
In the context of music, "Voix Celeste" refers to a specific stop or register on the organ or harmonium, which produces a soft and ethereal sound reminiscent of angelic voices. This stop is achieved by slightly detuning the pipes in order to produce beating frequencies, resulting in a shimmering and celestial effect.
Overall, the term "Voix Celeste" signifies the heavenly or ethereal quality of sound produced by an organ or harmonium register.
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