Fanfares

/ˈfænfɛrz/ noun

Definition

Plural of fanfare; loud, ceremonial trumpet calls or bursts of music, or figuratively, a showy public celebration or announcement.

Etymology

From French fanfare, possibly imitative in origin (imitating trumpet sounds) or derived from Spanish fanfarria, related to fanfarrón meaning braggart. The word entered English in the 16th century.

Kelly Says

Medieval heralds literally used fanfares to announce kings—the louder and more annoying the trumpet blast, the more important the person arriving, so you can hear hierarchy in a musical phrase.

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