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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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

  • feierlich [German] Solemn.
  • musique concrète [French] Music made up of natural sounds and sound effects that are recorded and then manipulated electronically.
  • affannoso [Italian] With anxious expression.
  • voice Either human voice or a melodic layer or part of a polyphonic composition.
  • rapidamente [Italian] Rapidly.
  • terzetto [Italian] A three-voice compositional form of the 18th century, usually short, which may or may not be accompanied.
  • modo [Italian] Way, manner.
  • compound harmony Regular harmony with an added octave in the bass.
  • anthem A choral setting of an English religious text similar to a motet, usually used in church with or without organ accompaniment.
  • Anlaufen [German] To open, to increase in volume.
  • duple meter A rhythmic pattern with the the number of beats per measure being divisible by two.
  • dirge A generic term used for a composition designed specifically for a funeral or in commemoration of the dead.
  • zeloso [Italian] Zealous, keen, earnest.
  • fundamental A base pitch from which a series of harmonics is produced.
  • chorale Baroque congregational hymn of the German Lutheran church, usually written for four voice harmony.