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

  • ripieno [Italian] The larger of the two ensembles in the concerto grosso.
  • vaudeville [French] A variety show with unrelated acts consisting of stand-up comedy, virtuoso instrumental and vocal performance, and song and dance acts.
  • genre Term used to identify a general category of music that shares similar performance forces, formal structures and/or style.
  • secco [Italian] Literally, “dry”. A directive to perform in an unornamented, cold manner. It usually implies that the notes should be of short duration.
  • resonator Term referring to those parts of instruments which resonate or vibrate, thus enhancing the sound of the instrument.
  • vivacissimamente [Italian] A directive to perform in a very lively or brisk manner.
  • eight note A note having the time duration of one eighth of a whole note.
  • fois [French] “Time”, as in “first time” (première fois) or “second time” (deuxieme fois).
  • fundamental The base note upon which a chord is built.
  • irato [Italian] Irate, angry.
  • counterpoint The art of combining two or more melodies to be performed simultaneously. In counterpoint, the melody is supported by another melody rather than by chords.
  • intontito [Italian] Dull, numbed, dazed, stunned.
  • reel Moderately quick dance in duple meter danced throughout the British Isles; the most popular Irish traditional dance type.
  • tarantella [Italian] A fast Italian dance in 6/8 time, characterized by alternations between major and minor tonalities and a quickening of tempo throughout the composition.
  • compound harmony Regular harmony with an added octave in the bass.