Multilingual Music Glossary

# A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Found a word you don't know? No problem. Look it up in the Music Glossary!

We are currently providing explanations for 2484 terms from 12 languages, including English, Italian, French, German, Spanish, Dutch, Swedish, Finnish, Latin…

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Please note: a music glossary is just like a dictionary. It contains explanations to musical terms. If you are looking for a piece, please go here instead: search tunes.

Some random terms

  • form The structure of a composition, the frame upon which it is constructed.
  • grand opera A style of opera that was developed in France in the 19th century that involved no spoken dialogue. It contained huge choruses, serious plots, elaborate dance episodes, ornate costumes and spectacular scenery.
  • vocalise [French] A vocal exercise that is sung without words, typically using different vowel sounds.
  • serioso [Italian] Serious, grave.
  • soave [Italian] Soft, sweet, gentle.
  • fundamental A base pitch from which a series of harmonics is produced.
  • petite reprise [French] Repetition of the last few measures of a piece after a larger repetition. The starting point of the section to be repeated is usually indicated with a small “segno”.
  • con tenerezza [Italian] “With tenderness”.
  • allargando [Italian] Growing broader, slowing down.
  • intonation A term referring to the proper production of a tone so that it is exactly in tune.
  • morendo [Italian] Literally, “dying away”. Gradually diminishing in volume and tempo, fading away.
  • unison Interval between two notes of the same pitch; the simultaneous playing of the same note.
  • heavy metal Rock style that gained popularity in the 1970s, characterized by simple, repetitive ideas and loud, distorted instrumental solos.
  • doucement [French] Softly.
  • légèrement [French] Lightly.