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

  • patter song A comic song in opera and operetta, characterized by a moderately fast to very fast tempo with a rapid succession of rhythmic patterns in which each syllable of text corresponds to one note (there are few or no melismatic passages).
  • recoupe [French] A dance of the French Renaissance.
  • all'ottava [Italian] Literally, “at the octave”. Directive to perform an indicated passage of a composition one octave higher than notated. Typically, this is indicated by an “8va” or “8” over the passage followed by a dotted line over the top of all the notes to be transposed.
  • unter [German] “Below”, “under”.
  • catch A humorous composition for three or four voices common in England during the 16th century. The parts are written so that each singer catches up to the other parts, giving the words different meanings than if each line was sung alone, usually to a humorous or bawdy effect.
  • klingen [German] To resonate.
  • diminuendo [Italian] A directive to smoothly decrease the volume.
  • tailgate A slang term for a trombone Glissando in Dixieland jazz.
  • quadruple meter Metrical pattern with four beats to a measure.
  • stretto [Italian] A directive to quicken the tempo.
  • locrian A mode based upon the seventh tone of the major scale.
  • 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.
  • slur A curved line drawn over or under a series of notes, indicating that those notes should be played legato.
  • ritardando [Italian] Gradually delaying the tempo.
  • etwas [German] “Somewhat”.