1. French Roots:
* "Répertoire": The word originated in French, likely evolving from the verb "répéter," meaning "to repeat."
* Early Usage: In the 16th century, "répertoire" referred to a list of plays or pieces that actors or musicians could perform. This was essentially their "stock" of known and practiced performances.
2. Musical and Theatrical Connections:
* Opera and Theater: The concept of repertoire became particularly important in the world of opera and theater. Companies would develop a collection of works they could perform regularly, allowing for familiar and well-rehearsed productions.
* Flexibility: Repertoire provided a flexible system, allowing for the rotation of performances to keep audiences engaged.
3. Expanding Meaning:
* Beyond the Stage: Over time, the meaning of "repertoire" broadened. It began to encompass any collection of works, skills, or knowledge that someone has at their disposal.
* General Usage: Today, we use "repertoire" to refer to anything from a musician's list of songs to a chef's collection of recipes, or even a politician's range of talking points.
In essence, the concept of repertoire emerged from the practical needs of the performing arts and has evolved to encompass a broad range of collections and abilities.