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

  • episode Interlude or intermediate section in the baroque fugue, which serves as an area of relaxation between statements of the subject.
  • suives [French] Literally, “follow”. A directive to an accompanist to follow the musical interpretation of the soloist.
  • oratorio [Italian] Large-scale dramatic genre originating in the Baroque, based on a text of religious or serious character, performed by solo voices, chorus and orchestra; similar to opera but without scenery, costumes or action.
  • violento [Italian] Violent, vehement.
  • quadruplum [Latin] Polyphony having four voices. Also, the highest of these voices.
  • subject The melody upon which a fugue is based; a melody, motive, or theme. The theme or melody upon which any composition is based.
  • pastorale [Italian] Pastoral, country-like.
  • rhythm section In a popular music band or ensemble, the performers who establish the rhythmic pulse of a song or musical piece, and who lay down the chordal structure.
  • gymel A Medieval technique of splitting one voice part into two parts, both with the same range. In most cases the voices would start and end together, but would diverge in the middle of the composition.
  • placido [Italian] Calm, placid.
  • consonant A chord (or an interval) that is pleasing and harmonious to the ear.
  • nicht [German] “Not“.
  • chord A set of three or more (according to certain definitions, even two) different notes that sound simultaneously.
  • fiero [Italian] Proud, haughty, noble.
  • recoupe [French] A dance of the French Renaissance.