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

  • body The middle section of a flute, with the majority of the keys.
  • section A group of identical or similar instruments in an ensemble.
  • festivo [Italian] Merry, festive.
  • affettuoso [Italian] Tender, loving, affectionate.
  • 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.
  • zarzuela [Spanish] A Spanish lyric-dramatic genre that alternates between spoken and sung scenes, the latter incorporating operatic and popular song, as well as dance.
  • interval Difference in pitch between two notes.
  • pavane [French] Stately Renaissance court dance in duple meter.
  • rhythm and blues An American music style popular between the 1940s and 1960s. Generally played by a lead vocalist or instrumentalist, a rhythm section, and an ensemble of voices, wind instruments, or guitar. Most R&B is vocal, in quadruple time, and in a major key, but characterized by blue notes.
  • dispersed harmony Harmony in which the notes which form the various chords are widely dispersed.
  • assai [Italian] Much, very much.
  • giocoso [Italian] Jolly, merry, playful.
  • sopra [Italian] “Above”.
  • strepitoso [Italian] Boisterous, noisy.
  • trill Ornament consisting of the rapid alternation between one tone and the next above it.