theorbo

noun the·or·bo \ thē-ˈȯr-(ˌ)bō \

Updated on: 13 Apr 2018

Definition of theorbo

plural theorbos

: a stringed instrument of the 17th century resembling a large lute but having an extra set of long bass strings

Recent Examples of theorbo from the Web

Dubrovsky’s eight string players, plus Mark Shuldiner on harpsichord and Brandon Acker on theorbo and baroque guitar, include some of the city’s finest period players.

— john von rhein, chicagotribune.com, "Vivica Genaux delivers exciting Vivaldi vocals with Third Coast Baroque," 8 Apr. 2018
Set within the whole was a stylish continuo group consisting of Craig Trompeter, cello and viola da gamba; Michael Beattie, organ; and Daniel Swenberg, theorbo.

— john von rhein, chicagotribune.com, "Joan of Arc lives anew, reimagined in Amy Beth Kirsten's 'Savior'," 27 Mar. 2018
With Amelie Chemin, viol; Thomas Boysen, theorbo; Markus Hunninger, harpsichord.

— chronicle staff report, San Francisco Chronicle, "Classical music and dance listings," 1 Mar. 2018
In addition to the period bowed instruments, audiences will hear and see a theorbo in the theater’s very shallow pit — a 6-foot-long member of the lute family.

— elaine schmidt, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Florentine Opera time-travels to Baroque with period approach to operas," 22 Jan. 2018
The concert offered ample evidence of the adventurous artistry and enterprise of L’Arpeggiata, whose artistic director, Christina Pluhar, anchored the performances on the theorbo (a twangy, deep-voiced, long-necked lute).

— james r. oestreich, New York Times, "Review: L’Arpeggiata Continues to Push Early Music’s Boundaries," 8 Oct. 2017
Though they were identified as the New York City Opera Orchestra, several were early-instrument specialists, including Grant Herreid, who contributed strongly on theorbo and guitar.

— james r. oestreich, New York Times, "Review: Is ‘Los Elementos’ Opera? That’s Beside the Point," 5 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'theorbo.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Illustration of theorbo

Origin and Etymology of theorbo

modification of Italian tiorba, teorba

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First Known Use: 1605

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