Multilingual Music Glossary
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Some random terms
- simile
“Similar”. Often used to designate the continuation of the use of an articulation without repeating the articulation symbol. - M.M. Marking typically found at the beginning of a composition, identifying the tempo of the composition in terms of beats per minute. This marking originally stood for “Mälzel Metronome”, but has since come to designate “Metronome Marking”.
- lentamente
Slowly. - pianississimo
Extremely soft, softer than pianissimo. - cupo
Dark, obscure. - gallant style A clear, elegant, uncomplicated style that arose in contrast to the more complex style of Baroque counterpoint.
- accompaniment Additional but subordinate music used to support a melodic line. Also, the art of playing along with a soloist or ensemble in a supporting manner.
- tempo giusto
A directive to perform in exact, strict time. - retransition In sonata-allegro form, the last part of the development which leads to the tonic of the main key and usually emphasizes it.
- movement Complete, self-contained part within a larger musical work.
- beruhigend
Relaxing, melodious. - serenade
Night music; a classical instrumental genre that combines elements of chamber music and symphonic music. - vibrato
Small fluctuation of pitch and/or volume, used to add expression and vocal-like qualities to instrumental music. - werden
To become. - thirty-second note A note having the time duration of one thirty-second of a whole note.