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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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

  • section A group of identical or similar instruments in an ensemble.
  • multiphonics The technique of performing two or more tones simultaneously on an instrument that is designed to produce only one tone at a time, like the flute.
  • off-beat A rhythm that emphasizes the weak beats of a bar.
  • tasto solo [Italian] Literally, “key only”. A directive indicating that a note is to be performed without harmony, especially used in compositions that use continuo.
  • recital A performance given by a soloist or a small ensemble.
  • lointain [French] “Distant”, “faraway”.
  • non-imitative counterpoint A musical texture in which independent voices of different character compete for attention.
  • seventh An interval of seven diatonic degrees, counting the first and last degree.
  • D♯ roller An optional feature added to the E♭ key of a flute, facilitating the movements of the little finger.
  • sacred music Religious or spiritual music, for church or devotional use.
  • agilità [Italian] A directive to perform with lightness or agility.
  • Longo numbers A numbering system identifying keyboard sonatas by Domenico Scarlatti.
  • phrasing The clear rendering in musical performance of the phrases of a melody.
  • zeloso [Italian] Zealous, keen, earnest.
  • responsorial singing Singing, especially in Gregorian chant, in which a soloist or a group of soloists alternates with the choir.