ensemble

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en·sem·ble / änˈsämbəl/ • n. 1. a group of musicians, actors, or dancers who perform together. ∎  a scene or passage written for performance by a whole cast, choir, or group of instruments. ∎  the coordination between performers executing such a passage: a high level of tuning and ensemble is guaranteed. 2. a group of items viewed as a whole rather than individually: the buildings in the square present a charming provincial ensemble. ∎  [usu. in sing.] a set of clothes chosen to harmonize when worn together. ∎  chiefly Physics a group of similar systems, or different states of the same system, often considered statistically.

ensemble (Fr.). Together.
1. Any combination of performers, but especially a small group playing individual parts.

2. The quality in perf. implying the greater or lesser exhibition of the co-operative spirit, e.g. unanimity of attack, balance of tone, etc., thus giving rise to such expressions as ‘good ens.’, ‘poor ens.’, etc. A morceau d'ensemble (e.g. in an operatic context) is a piece in which several performers combine.

ensemble all the parts together. XV. — (O)F., sb. use of adv. ‘together’ :- Rom. *insemul, for L. insimul, f. IN2 + simul at the same time.

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