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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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

  • acoustics The science that deals with the study of sound. Also, the art of optimizing sound in a room or other enclosed space, considering reverberation and other acoustical qualities.
  • vibrato [Italian] Small fluctuation of pitch and/or volume, used to add expression and vocal-like qualities to instrumental music.
  • non [Italian] “Not”.
  • tailgate A slang term for a trombone Glissando in Dixieland jazz.
  • espressione [Italian] “Expression”.
  • tonguing In the performance of wind instruments, the technique of using the tongue to produce certain sounds and effects, and especially the technique in which notes are attacked and articulated.
  • sprezzatura [Italian] A term used in 17th century Italy describing a free style of performing compositions that ignored strict tempo and rhythm, embracing freedom of tempo and expressiveness.
  • post-modern A term adopted around the mid-1970s to describe our current eclectic, experimental age.
  • overblowing A technique employed by woodwind players (flute players in particular) in which the player directs the flow of air to obtain a harmonic tone other than the fundamental.
  • dolce [Italian] Sweet, soft, with tender emotion.
  • doloroso [Italian] Sorrowful, painful.
  • sonoro [Italian] Resounding.
  • recapitulation In sonata-allegro form, the final presentation of the original theme group, first presented in the exposition.
  • virtuoso [Italian] Performer of extraordinary technical ability.
  • mosso [Italian] Moved, agitated.