Understanding the Word 'Repertoire'

In this episode of the Word of the Day podcast, host Peter Sokolowski explores the multifaceted noun repertoire (spelled R-E-P-E-R-T-O-I-R-E). While often used in artistic contexts, the term carries a rich etymological history and a versatile range of applications in modern English.

Defining the Core Concept

At its most fundamental level, a repertoire is defined as a "list or supply of plays, songs or dances that a company or person is prepared to perform." This definition highlights the idea of readiness and preparation. However, the term has evolved significantly beyond the stage. It can also refer to a broader "supply of skills or devices" or simply an "amount or supply" of items within a particular category.

Contextual Application: The Case of 'Dirty Cello'

To illustrate how the word functions in a contemporary sentence, the podcast references a feature from the Mercury News of San Jose regarding Rebecca Roudman. Roudman is described as the frontwoman for the band Dirty Cello, a group that has "honed a rollicking repertoire of rock anthems, bluegrass standards and Americana originals." This example perfectly encapsulates the traditional usage of the term: a curated collection of performance pieces that a professional entity has mastered and is ready to showcase to an audience.

Etymological Roots and Evolution

The term traces its lineage back to the late Latin noun repertorium, which translates to "list." This Latin root provided English with two distinct, related terms: repertory and repertoire.

• Repertory: This term is frequently associated with a "company that presents several different plays, operas or other works at one theater," or the physical "theater where such works are performed."
• Repertoire: Derived from repertorium via French, the word initially shared the same meaning as repertory. Over time, however, its usage shifted. While it still refers to the works a company performs, its meaning has expanded into a broader, metaphorical territory.

Modern Expansion of Meaning

In modern usage, the application of repertoire has become quite expansive. It is no longer confined to the performing arts. Today, it describes the "range of skills that a person has." Sokolowski provides relatable examples to clarify this:

1. Sports: The "different pitches a baseball player can throw" constitutes their repertoire.
2. Culinary Arts: The "particular dishes that a chef's specialty" comprises their unique cooking repertoire.

By understanding these historical and practical layers, speakers can appreciate repertoire as more than just a list of songs; it is a testament to the versatility and the depth of one's professional or creative capabilities.