altissimo

[ al-tis-uh-moh; Italian ahl-tees-see-maw ]

adjective

1. very high.

noun

1. in altissimo, in the second octave above the treble staff.

altissimo

/ ælˈtɪsɪˌməʊ /

adjective

1. (of music) very high in pitch
2. of or relating to the octave commencing on the G lying an octave above the treble clef

noun

1. in altissimo
   in altissimo in the octave commencing an octave above the treble clef

Word History and Origins

Origin of altissimo¹

1810–20; < Italian: literally, highest, equivalent to alt ( o ) high + -issimo superlative suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of altissimo¹

Italian, literally: highest

Example Sentences

Cristofano dell'Altissimo, whose talent lay in portrait painting, may be added to these.

From Project Gutenberg

The rapidity of his execution, and the mellow sweetness of his altissimo notes, were unequalled.

From Project Gutenberg

All the rest of the objects were as usual in plano; this was in alto, indeed in altissimo rilievo.

From Project Gutenberg