Echo

(It. eco). A subdued repetition of a strain or phrase. The natural reflection of sound in mountain landscapes was the inspiration of many composers for the use of this technique.

Canonic echo is the echoing in one voice of a melodic phrase that is first stated by another. The device is employed in many MADRIGALS. In some cases the echo repeats the last syllables of the preceding word, when it makes sense, e.g., esempio (example) answered by empio (empty). This effect is used poignantly in the last act of CLAUDIO MONTEVERDI'S ORFEO.

In Greek mythology, the nymph Echo dies of unrequited love for Narcissus. Only her voice remains as an "echo" of her being. The legend inspired several opera composers, including CHRISTOPH WILLIBALD GLUCK, in whose Écho et Narcisse he cleverly echoed melodic lines in different voices.

The echo is also used in instrumental music. In the last movement of his Ouvertüre nach französicher Art (Partita in B Minor, BWV 831), JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH makes use of it. In WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART's Serenade, K. 286, there is an interplay of groups of four instruments in a quadruple echo.

Dictionary Tip:

Lookup any word on eNotes with our dictionary. Highlight the word and press SHIFT + D for a definition, or SHIFT + T for a synonym.