Provare and related words in a musical context

By Sigrid Lee

Provare is a common word used in various contexts. We have talked about some in this lesson and in this one, too. It generally means "to try," but not only. In this lesson, we'll be talking about using the verb provare and related words in the context of music and other performing arts.

While a rock band or jazz band will likely practice, an orchestra, classical ensemble, or theater production rehearses. In Italian, the verb for both is generally provare. The group is trying things out if we think about it.

Da oggi, compreso oggi, abbiamo quattro giorni per provare prima che arrivi il maestro.

From today, including today, we have four days to rehearse before the maestro arrives.

Captions 39-40, La compagnia del cigno S1 EP3 - Part 2
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But what do we call the rehearsal itself?

When it's at a specific time and place, we might hear it used in the singular. Let's keep in mind that "una prova" can have multiple meanings, and depending on the context, might not pertain to music or theater. Sometimes, especially for a band, the kind of prova will be specified, with the term la prova musicale (the musical rehearsal, the music practice session).

Be', io devo tornare, il ragazzetto rompicoglioni deve studiare, domani ho una prova importante. -E, no.

Well, I have to go back, the pain in the ass boy has to study. I have an important rehearsal tomorrow. -Hey, no.

Captions 43-44, La compagnia del cigno S2 EP 2 - Part 11
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And there are certain cases in which the singular la prova is used for sure. The dress rehearsal is called "la prova generale."

Non sono preparato, non ho tempo, non ho dimestichezza con i bambini. -Ma è perfetto, con l'occasione fai una prova generale.

I'm not prepared, I don't have time, I'm not familiar with children. -But it's perfect, with this opportunity you'll do a dress rehearsal.

Captions 57-59, Provaci ancora prof! S3EP2 Doppio imprevisto - Part 15
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But often, even when referring to one rehearsal, the plural is used. It's just what people say.

Anche oggi delle prove durissime.

Even today, a very tough rehearsal.

Caption 1, La compagnia del cigno EP 5 - Part 6
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Non dovevate finire le prove alle sette?

Weren't you supposed to finish the rehearsal at seven?

Caption 60, La compagnia del cigno S1 EP3 - Part 9
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Ti va di cenare insieme dopo le prove?

Do you want to have dinner together after the rehearsal?

Caption 14, La compagnia del cigno EP 5 - Part 9
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In this next example, it's about a band. Fare le prove is literally, "to do/make the rehearsal/practice session."

Dove devi andare? A fare le prove per il concerto. -Mhh...

Where do you have to go? To practice for the concert. -Hmm...

Captions 29-30, Milena e Mattia L'incontro
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But what about when you are at home or in your practice room practicing? That is studiare, which means, in a general context, "to study."

Be', io no, grazie. Sto qui a studiare così domani non perdete tempo.

Well, not me, thanks. I'll stay here to practice, that way, tomorrow you won't waste time.

Captions 68-70, La compagnia del cigno EP 6 - Part 2
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Naturally, studiare also means studying for an exam.

Tu pensa a studiare che devi dare l'esame.

You think about studying because you have to take the exam.

Caption 49, Com'è umano lui Film - Part 9
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But we need to be careful, because studiare can also mean someone is "going to school," in other words, attending a school of higher learning, such as a college or university, or even a high school, since not all kids go to high school.

Io non studio, non lavoro.

I don't study/I'm not going to school, I don't work.

Caption 24, Com'è umano lui Film - Part 10
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In the series La compagnia del cigno, the kids both practice their instruments and study from books, so we need to determine the context to know what is meant sometimes.

Another way to translate "to practice" is esercitarsi. It can be a bit more specific to a certain passage or piece than studiare, which can be more general.

Va bene, grazie. -Quanto ti devi esercitare ancora?

All right, thanks. -How much more do you have to practice?

Caption 35, La compagnia del cigno S1 EP1 - Part 7
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Thanks for reading. Hopefully, you have a better grasp of the words Italian musicians and actors (and others) use when they are practicing and rehearsing. There are other related words we will address in a future lesson. If you have comments or questions, we're all ears. Write to us at [email protected].