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

  • common time 4/4 time.
  • Konzertstück [German] An informal “concert piece”, usually in one movement, for solo instruments and orchestra.
  • dopo [Italian] “After”.
  • luttuoso [Italian] Mournful.
  • goliard song Medieval Latin-texted secular song, often with corrupt or lewd lyrics; associated with wandering scholars.
  • bravura [Italian] Literally, “skill”. Great dexterity and skill in execution.
  • one hundred and twenty-eighth note A note having the time duration of one hundred twenty-eighth of the time duration of a whole note.
  • waltz Ballroom dance type in triple meter; in the Romantic era, a short, stylized piano piece.
  • opera A drama set to music, usually sung throughout, originating in 17th-century Italy.
  • con forza [Italian] “With force”, vigorously.
  • Tzigane [French] Term used for a composition having gypsy influences or flavor.
  • offset G On a flute, a G key which is extended to the side of the other two left-hand finger keys (along with the G♯ key), thus requiring less bending of the wrist, rendering it easier to reach and cover effectively, and less uncomfortable and fatiguing to play.
  • double exposition In a concerto, a twofold statement of the theme, once by the orchestra and once by the soloist.
  • geschwind [German] Swift, swiftly.
  • jazz A musical style created mainly by African-Americans in the early twentieth century that blended elements drawn from African musics with the popular and art traditions of the West.