[bit.listserv.allmusic] Meno & Mezzo...

KRENTZ_MIC@CTSTATEU.BITNET (Micki 'KRAZY' Krentz) (02/13/90)

             I was looking at some terminology today for Instrumental
conducting class and got wondering about something...

               If Meno means "less" and Mezzo means "half", then why do
we say Mezzoforte and Mezzopiano? Half-loud, half-soft? This doesn't sit
too well with me. Less-loud and Less-piano makes more sense...

               For that matter, i don't like "Mezzo Soprano" either.

             Half-soprano? Geez... that suggests that i'm missing 50% of
my body or something...

             Tho Meno Soprano doesn't work either...

               Just thought i'd break the old myth that Mezzo means medium,
because you see it actually does not....

                                               ---Michele---