Maestro
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Maestro (or maestra for women) means "master" or "teacher" in Italian and Spanish. It is used in English to designate a master in an artistic field - usually someone who has gained enough knowledge within that field to be able to successfully teach students, though the term may sometimes be conferred through sheer respect for an artist's works. The term is most commonly used with respect to classical music and opera, most likely due to the heavy influence of Italian operatic traditions in many Western classical and operatic music schools. For instance, composers, orchestra conductors, and music teachers are frequently given this title. The word is less commonly, but still regularly, used in other fine arts traditions such as drawing, painting, and sculpture as well. When not used in a satirical sense, it is a highly respectful term, meant to convey appreciation for the skill of the master artist.
[edit] Similar terms in other languages
Other languages use similar terms to refer to one considered to be a master of a particular style of music or art:
