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

  • envoi [French] A short final stanza of a ballade which serves as a summary or dedication.
  • style Characteristic manner of presentation of musical elements: melody, rhythm, harmony, dynamics, form, etc.
  • anonymous A person whose name is unknown.
  • temperament The division of an octave into twelve equal parts.
  • cue-notes In a separate part, notes belonging to another part with the purpose of hinting when to start playing. Usually printed in a smaller type.
  • tonality The organization of a composition around a tonic.
  • madrigal Renaissance secular work originating in Italy for voices, with or without instruments, set to a short, lyric love poem.
  • clavier [French] Any keyboard instrument.
  • transposition Shifting a melody up or down in pitch, while keeping the same relative pitches.
  • tardo [Italian] Slow.
  • tremolo [Italian] A rapid alternation between two notes.
  • 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.
  • intermedio [Italian] In the Renaissance, a musical entertainment between the acts of a play.
  • con brio [Italian] With vivacity or spirit.
  • trio sonata [Italian] A baroque sonata for two treble instruments and continuo, generally requiring four performers.