Sennets

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Strong linen or cotton cords used in theater rigging to raise and lower curtains or scenery; also refers to the act of lowering or raising a stage curtain using such cords; additionally, a title given to the introductory musical piece or fanfare played to announce the start of a theatrical performance
2. Cords made of sturdy material employed in theatrical settings for hoisting curtains or stage elements; the process of moving stage drapery up or down using these cords; and the opening musical signals or announcements in a play or performance
3. Durable string-like ropes utilized in theater for manipulating backdrops and curtains; the mechanism of drawing stage curtains via these ropes; plus, the ceremonial music or brief interlude that precedes or marks the commencement of a show

Etymology: The term "sennet" (plural "sennets") traces back to the world of Elizabethan and Jacobean theater, where it referred to a specific musical flourish used to signal entrances, exits, or changes of scene. These brief trumpet calls or fanfares were an essential part of stagecraft, helping to guide the audience’s attention and mark dramatic moments without spoken words. Its earliest recorded uses in English date to the late 16th century, notably in the works of William Shakespeare and his contemporaries. In plays, stage directions often included "sennet" to indicate when musicians should play these distinctive calls. The sound was typically a short series of notes on a trumpet, creating a sharp, attention-grabbing effect. This practice likely grew out of medieval and Renaissance courtly traditions, where similar fanfares announced the arrival of royalty or important figures. Etymologically, the word is believed to have originated from the French "sennet," which itself comes from the Italian "sinnetto" or "sinnetto," diminutives related to "sinno," meaning a signal or summons. This chain reflects how the term moved through European languages connected with ceremonial or signaling music. The French adaptation pointed to a brief, formal signal, fitting the theatrical usage. While the musical signal itself is now mostly obsolete in modern theater, "sennets" remain a fascinating glimpse into early stage conventions, revealing how sound was employed to structure dramatic action before the rise of complex lighting and sound effects. The term captures a moment when music and drama were tightly interwoven, using simple auditory cues to communicate with audiences.