sennet

A trumpet sounds a sennet as the actor enters the stage.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A theatrical fanfare: In historical contexts, "sennet" refers to a set of notes played on a trumpet or other brass instrument, typically used in Elizabethan and Jacobean theatre to signal the entrance or exit of a character or group of actors on stage. It is a type of musical cue.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The play began with a sennet, announcing the arrival of the king. (A trumpet fanfare marked the entrance of the royal character.)
  • In Shakespeare's time, a sennet was often used to create a dramatic effect during processions. (A musical signal for stage movements.)

Advanced Usage

• "to sound a sennet": to perform or play this specific fanfare.
  • The musicians were instructed to sound a sennet as the actors entered the stage. (They played the trumpet cue.)

Variants and Related Words

• Sennet is a specific term with no common variants. It is sometimes spelled as "senet" in older texts, but this is rare and may cause confusion with the board game "Senet".
• Fanfare (n): a short, lively tune played on brass instruments, often used for ceremonial purposes; a broader term that includes sennets.
  • The fanfare at the ceremony was similar to a sennet. (A general brass flourish.)

Synonyms

• Trumpet call: a signal played on a trumpet.
• Flourish: a dramatic or showy musical passage, often used in theatre.

Phrasal Verbs

• No phrasal verbs are associated with "sennet" as it is a noun referring to a specific musical signal.

Related Idioms

• No common idioms include "sennet" due to its historical and specialized nature.