Multilingual Music Glossary

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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

  • pas [French] “Not”.
  • rondò [Italian] A form in which a principal theme (sometimes called the refrain) alternates with one or more contrasting themes, generally called episodes, but also occasionally referred to as digressions, or couplets. Possible patterns in the Classical Period include ABA, ABACA, ABABCA, etc.
  • Manualiter [German] Organ compositions that are to be performed on the manual alone, i.e. without the pedals.
  • oblique motion In part-writing, term used when one voice (or more) remains on the same pitch while the other ascends or descends.
  • troppo [Italian] Too much.
  • inflection Small alteration of the pitch by a microtonal interval.
  • singhiozzando [Italian] Sobbing. May suggest the use of a strong portamento.
  • unison Interval between two notes of the same pitch; the simultaneous playing of the same note.
  • genre Term used to identify a general category of music that shares similar performance forces, formal structures and/or style.
  • transverse flute The regular orchestral flute, as distinct from the recorder.
  • tertian harmony Term applied to harmony which is based upon the interval of the third.
  • tempestoso [Italian] Stormy.
  • strict counterpoint The strict application of the rules of part writing.
  • break In the flute or other wind instrument, the place between the lower register of the instrument and the higher. For example, the break on the flute is between C-sharp and D.
  • divisi [Italian] Literally, “divided”. A directive in ensemble music that instructs one section to divide into two or more separate sections, each playing a separate part. Often these separate parts are written on the same staff.