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

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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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Some random terms

  • root The fundamental note of a chord.
  • mazurka A lively Polish dance in 3/4 or 3/8 time with the accent usually on the second or third beat of the measure.
  • pitch Highness or lowness of a tone, depending on the frequency (rate of vibration).
  • offset G On a flute, a G key which is extended to the side of the other two left-hand finger keys (along with the G♯ key), thus requiring less bending of the wrist, rendering it easier to reach and cover effectively, and less uncomfortable and fatiguing to play.
  • lent [French] Slow.
  • music Broadly speaking, sounds organized to express a wide variety of human emotions.
  • rubato [Italian] “Robbed” time; the subtle pressing forward and holding back the tempo in performance.
  • ripieno [Italian] The notes added when realizing the figured bass of a basso continuo.
  • geschwind [German] Swift, swiftly.
  • tremolo [Italian] A rapid alternation between two notes.
  • tief [German] Deep, low.
  • ostinato [Italian] Literally, “obstinate”. A short melodic, rhythmic, or harmonic pattern that is repeated throughout a composition.
  • double [French] During the Baroque period, a repetition or variation of an air or a dance that adds extra notes and/or ornaments.
  • A440 The standard tuning of the A above middle C at 440 Hz.
  • trio sonata [Italian] A baroque sonata for two treble instruments and continuo, generally requiring four performers.