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

  • sharp An accidental symbol that raises the pitch of a note by a semitone.
  • spinto [Italian] A term describing a lyric voice, usually that of a soprano or tenor, that can also achieve powerful, dramatic effects. Also, a part written for a voice of such character.
  • species counterpoint A technique of strict counterpoint involving the addition of voices to a melody advancing from simple to more complex harmonies.
  • rasch [German] Rapid, swift.
  • chart Colloquial or jazz term for a score or arrangement.
  • springer An ornament consisting of the main tone followed by the tone above it followed by the tone above that, then returning to the original main tone.
  • incipit [Latin] The beginning of a musical composition.
  • sottovoce [Italian] Almost whispering.
  • contrary motion Simultaneous motion of two voices, one of which is in opposition to the other, with one voice rising in pitch while the other one falls in pitch.
  • Rococo [French] A term applied to French compositions of the 18th century, implying light, airy, graceful, and ornamented style, in response to the rigid, severe lines of the previous era.
  • villereccio [Italian] Rustic, rural.
  • fado [Portuguese] A type of street song and dance of Portugal, usually accompanied by a guitar.
  • rubato [Italian] “Robbed” time; the subtle pressing forward and holding back the tempo in performance.
  • 15mb [Italian] A directive to perform two octaves lower than written.
  • ripieno [Italian] The larger of the two ensembles in the concerto grosso.