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

  • lieblich [German] Charming, lovely.
  • refrain [French] A verse which repeats throughout a song or poem at given intervals.
  • outer voices The highest and the lowest voices in a polyphonic composition.
  • ionian In the system of modes, the ionian mode is the one based on C; therefore, it is the modern major scale.
  • sonatina [Italian] A form popular in the late classical era that consisted of a short or “light” sonata; often the sonatina contained an exposition and recapitulation without the development section. The form has been revived in the 20th century by various composers.
  • pitch Highness or lowness of a tone, depending on the frequency (rate of vibration).
  • Gregorian chant Monophonic melody with a freely flowing, unmeasured vocal line; liturgical chant of the Roman Catholic Church.
  • locrian A mode based upon the seventh tone of the major scale.
  • hautbois [French] Oboe.
  • natural minor scale A scale similar to the major scale, but with the third, sixth and seventh degrees lowered by a semitone.
  • toujours [French] Always.
  • baton The stick used by the conductor to define the beat of the music. Also, a light metal rod used for keeping time, twirling and juggling in marching band performances.
  • haut [French] Literally, “high”. Medieval category of loud instruments, used principally for outdoor occasions.
  • Abendmusik [German] Evening music, usually religious in nature, originating in the 17th century.
  • leggiero [Italian] Light, delicate.