A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Bravo

by George Grove

BRAVO, i.e. 'well done.' An Italian term of applause which has gone from Italy to other countries, though never taking very firm root in England. It was the custom in Italy to applaud, not only at the end of a piece or passage, but during the performance, and the bravos were addressed to composer, singer, or instrument—'Bravo Mozart!' 'Bravo Lablache!' 'Bravo il fagotto!' The word was there naturally inflected, and the applause to a female singer would be 'Brava Grisi!' Beethoven when satisfied with the orchestra used to give a 'thundering Bravi tutti.'

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