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

  • xylophone A percussion instrument consisting of a row of chromatically tuned wooden bars, arranged in the manner of a piano keyboard.
  • modulation Moving from one key to another.
  • giubilo [Italian] Rejoicing, jubilation.
  • response Short choral answer to a solo verse; an element of liturgical dialogue.
  • andantino [Italian] A moderate tempo marking, which can be faster or slower than andante.
  • minstrel A court musician or entertainer of the 12th through 17th centuries who performed professionally.
  • galop [French] A lively ballroom dance, generally in 2/4 time.
  • lamentoso [Italian] Like a lament, plaintive.
  • additive meter A pattern of beats that subdivide into smaller, irregular groups. It is common in Eastern European musics, and contemporary compositions attempting to emulate such a sound. For example, a time signature like 9/8, which is normally subdivided as 3+3+3, may be subdivided by the composer as 2+3+2+2 for musical effect.
  • tessitura [Italian] The most musically acceptable and comfortable range for a given singer or, less frequently, musical instrument.
  • un peu [French] A little.
  • staccato [Italian] A style of playing notes in a detached, separated, distinct manner, as opposed to legato.
  • altissimo [German] Term used to indicate the tones of the second octave above the treble staff (G6 to F7), which are said to be “in altissimo”.
  • garbato [Italian] Kind, amiable, graceful
  • disjunct A melodic line that moves by leaps and skips rather than in steps.