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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Found a word you don't know? No problem. Look it up in the Music Glossary!

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

  • mordent An ornament indicating that a note is to be played in a single rapid alternation with the note above or below.
  • pitch Highness or lowness of a tone, depending on the frequency (rate of vibration).
  • absolute music Music that is not explicitly “about” anything. In contrast with program music, absolute music has no words and no references to stories or images or any other kind of extra-musical idea.
  • sequence Restatement of an idea or motive at a different pitch level.
  • no chord A directive placed over a note (or a series of notes) signifying that the note(s) should be performed without accompaniment. Typically found in popular music notation.
  • envelope An acoustical term referring to the attack, steady state (or duration), and decay of a sound.
  • dramma giocoso [Italian] A kind of comic opera originating around 1750, with sentimental or pathetic plots bordering on tragedy rather than the traditional lighthearted comic plots.
  • vivacissimamente [Italian] A directive to perform in a very lively or brisk manner.
  • Ländler [German] A folk dance in 3/4 time which was popular in Austria, south Germany and German Switzerland at the end of the 18th century.
  • tonguing In the performance of wind instruments, the technique of using the tongue to produce certain sounds and effects, and especially the technique in which notes are attacked and articulated.
  • appoggiatura [Italian] Ornamental note, usually taking half of the duration of the main note it precedes.
  • grandioso [Italian] Majestic, grand, noble.
  • un pochettino [Italian] A little bit.
  • dirge A generic term used for a composition designed specifically for a funeral or in commemoration of the dead.
  • choir A group of singers who perform together, usually in parts, with several on each part.