A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Virtuoso

by George Grove

VIRTUOSO. A term of Italian origin, applied, more abroad than in England, to a player who excels in the technical part of his art. Such players being naturally open to a temptation to indulge their ability unduly at the expense of the meaning of the composer, the word has acquired a somewhat depreciatory meaning, as of display for its own sake. Virtuosität—or virtuosity, if the word may be allowed—is the condition of playing like a virtuoso.

Mendelssohn never did, Mme. Schumann and Joachim never do, play in the style alluded to. It would be invidious to mention those who do.

[ G. ]