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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Found a word you don't know? No problem. Look it up in the Music Glossary!

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

  • aeolian A mode used in Gregorian chant based upon the sixth tone of the major scale. In the key of C, the aeolian mode would be based on A, and would include A, B, C, D, E, F, G, A.
  • blue note In blues or jazz, a note that for expressive purposes is sung or played at a slightly lower pitch than usual.
  • fingering The methodical use of fingers in the playing of instruments.
  • inline G On a flute, the standard position of the left-hand G (third-finger) key: in line with the first and second keys.
  • patetico [Italian] “Pathetic”, with great emotion.
  • fermata An element of musical notation indicating that a note should be sustained for longer than its note value would indicate.
  • fife A small flute with a narrower bore, thus producing a higher, more piercing sound than a flute. Generally used in military bands.
  • ossia [Italian] An alternative version of a music, usually only a few measures long and marked as an added staff.
  • mosso [Italian] Moved, agitated.
  • 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.
  • più [Italian] “More”.
  • eilig [German] Hurried, hasty, speedy.
  • audition The term used for the try-outs that a musician must go through before his or her acceptance into an ensemble.
  • prologue The introduction or preface to a dramatic work. The prologue usually tells the audience the background to the story about to be presented.
  • non-imitative counterpoint A musical texture in which independent voices of different character compete for attention.