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

Hint: Don't worry about accents over letters, just skip them.

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…

You may browse the glossary alphabetically, or directly search for a term by using the search box above.

If you are looking for a symbol, check out our Guide to Musical Symbols.

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

  • volta subito [Italian] A directive to turn the page quickly.
  • prologue The introduction or preface to a dramatic work. The prologue usually tells the audience the background to the story about to be presented.
  • di molto [Italian] “By much”.
  • sinfonietta [Italian] An orchestral work of smaller proportions than a full symphony.
  • bass flute A flute that plays one octave below the concert flute.
  • quarter note A note having the time duration of one fourth of a whole note.
  • flageolet [French] A simple recorder with four finger holes, popular in the 17th century in England.
  • con slancio [Italian] With energy.
  • instrument Any device used to create music.
  • pesante [Italian] “Heavy”, slow or with importance.
  • duet A composition for two performers.
  • patter song A comic song in opera and operetta, characterized by a moderately fast to very fast tempo with a rapid succession of rhythmic patterns in which each syllable of text corresponds to one note (there are few or no melismatic passages).
  • dirge A generic term used for a composition designed specifically for a funeral or in commemoration of the dead.
  • fugato [Italian] In the style of a fugue.
  • diminuendo [Italian] A directive to smoothly decrease the volume.