What does sextet mean?
A sextet is a group of six, especially a musical ensemble consisting of six performers or instruments. In orchestral and chamber music, the word may identify the players themselves or a composition written for six such parts. It can also be used more generally for any arranged set of six, though this broader sense is less frequent and often has a formal or literary tone. The word is related to sex, the Latin word for six, and to English words such as sextile, sexagesimal, and sexennial. Because sextet specifies its number as precisely as quartet specifies four or trio specifies three, it is especially useful when discussing ensembles in which each member contributes a distinct line or instrument. It remains a familiar term in classical, jazz, and popular music contexts.
nounA group or composition of six people or instruments, especially six musicians. It can also refer more generally to a set of six items.
- A group of six people, especially a musical ensemble.
- A musical composition written for six performers or instruments.
- A set or collection of six things.
"The sextet performed a delicate arrangement that brought the audience to its feet."
"The conductor assembled a sextet of experienced players for the festival."
"The chamber work was originally composed for a sextet of string instruments."
Used for groups or compositions of six, particularly musical ensembles.
"The festival featured several chamber sextets and ensembles."
From six to sextet: the word names a compact ensemble where every voice has a distinctive role.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sextet come from?
English borrowed sextet in the late eighteenth century from French sextette. French had adapted the Italian form sextetto, which in turn was based on the Latin word for six. The same numerical root underlies related English words such as sextile, sexagesimal, and sexennial.
How sextet is actually used
In music, the term is standard in British and American English and may refer either to the performers or to the composition written for them. Outside musical contexts, it can sound formal or literary and is less common than simply saying a group of six.