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

  • savamment [French] Skilfully, expertly; with knowledge and experience.
  • ionian In the system of modes, the ionian mode is the one based on C; therefore, it is the modern major scale.
  • con disperazione [Italian] Desperately.
  • Dixieland An early style of jazz originating in the early 20th century in New Orleans with a simple, cheerful character.
  • whole note The note with the longest duration in currently used Western music notation.
  • system The collection of staves, two or more, as used for writing down of keyboard, chamber, choral, or orchestral music.
  • 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.
  • modal Having to do with modes; this term is applied most particularly to music that is based upon the Gregorian modes, rather than to music based upon the major, minor, or any other scale.
  • roulade [French] A highly ornamented vocal composition, usually for one voice and accompaniment.
  • compound harmony Regular harmony with an added octave in the bass.
  • homophony Music in which one voice leads melodically followed by the other voices more or less in the same rhythm. In contrast with polyphony.
  • canon Strict imitation, in which one voice imitates another at a staggered time interval.
  • Cecilia [Italian] Saint honored as the patroness of music.
  • note A notational symbol used to represent the duration of a sound and, when placed on a music staff, to also indicate the pitch of the sound.
  • modo [Italian] Way, manner.