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

  • remote keys Those keys that have few notes in common. The key of C and the key of F sharp would be considered remote.
  • family A grouping of instruments which produce sound in the same manner and are constructed in the same way but in different sizes, such as the flute family, the clarinet family, the violin family and so on.
  • equal temperament Tuning system dividing the octave into 12 equal semitones.
  • strathspey A lively Scottish dance in 4/4 time related to the reel. A characteristic of this dance is the peculiar rhythmic pattern of a dotted eighth note followed by a sixteenth, known as the Scotch snap.
  • suives [French] Literally, “follow”. A directive to an accompanist to follow the musical interpretation of the soloist.
  • rapidamente [Italian] Rapidly.
  • key signature The sharps or flats appearing at the beginning of each staff indicating the key of the music.
  • contrary motion Simultaneous motion of two voices, one of which is in opposition to the other, with one voice rising in pitch while the other one falls in pitch.
  • a cappella [Italian] Choral or vocal music performed without instrumental accompaniment.
  • hairpin The symbol, made up of two joined lines, used to indicate a crescendo or a decrescendo.
  • countertenor A male voice of unusually high range, generally achieved through falsetto. The countertenor has the range of either the female alto or soprano.
  • pitch Highness or lowness of a tone, depending on the frequency (rate of vibration).
  • bracket In a score, a vertical bracket that groups together the staves relative to the instruments of a section, like the woodwinds or the strings.
  • divertimento [Italian] Instrumental composition intended for entertainment, usually in a number of movements. The term is used particularly in the second half of the 18th century.
  • triplet Three notes of equal length that are to be performed in the duration of two notes of equal length.