concert pitch

American  

noun

1. Music. a standard of pitch used for tuning orchestral instruments, usually established at 440 vibrations per second for A above middle C.

2. a state of heightened eagerness, readiness, or tension.

   Spring training had brought the athletes up to concert pitch for the beginning of the season.

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concert pitch British  

noun

1. the frequency of 440 hertz assigned to the A above middle C See pitch 1 international pitch

2. informal a state of extreme readiness

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Etymology

Origin of concert pitch

First recorded in 1760–70

Example Sentences

Figure 6.21: In the top line, the melody is written out in concert pitch; on the second line it has been transposed to be read by an alto saxophone.

From Literature

Many music lovers prefer the sound of period performances, where original baroque-era instruments are brought into play, and the pitch is usually a semitone lower than today’s standard concert pitch.

From Seattle Times

So far they seem quiet enough, but they are all armed to the teeth and keyed to concert pitch.

From Project Gutenberg

I had been wound up to high concert pitch by that morning round with Johnny and could not play a bit in the afternoon.

From Project Gutenberg

The Duke, whose nerves were tuned to concert pitch, heard it first, and turned a pair of wide-open eyes on the door.

From Project Gutenberg