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

  • threnody A poem, a song, or an instrumental composition that expresses lament for the dead.
  • groove Groove is the sense of propulsive rhythmic “feel” or sense of “swing” created by the interaction of the music played by a band's rhythm section (usually drums, electric bass or double bass, guitar, and keyboards).
  • leggiero [Italian] Light, delicate.
  • unison Interval between two notes of the same pitch; the simultaneous playing of the same note.
  • frottola [Italian] A secular song that was popular in Italy in the late 15th and early 16th centuries, direct predecessor of the madrigal.
  • quartet A piece for four singers or instrumentalists. Also, a group of such musicians.
  • anacrusis One or more unstressed notes preceding the first downbeat in a bar.
  • natural A symbol placed by a note signifying that the note should be played unaltered, as opposed to the sharp or flat of the note.
  • gospel music Twentieth century sacred music style associated with Protestant African-Americans.
  • giocoso [Italian] Jolly, merry, playful.
  • rinforzando [Italian] Literally, “reinforcing”. Dynamic marking indicating that several notes, or a short phrase, are to be emphasized.
  • natural key A key whose signature contains no sharps or flats; basically, C major and A minor.
  • septet A piece for seven singers or instrumentalists. Also, a group of such musicians.
  • alto flute A flute pitched in the key of G, sounding a 4th lower than the concert flute.
  • chart Colloquial or jazz term for a score or arrangement.