Multilingual Music Glossary

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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

  • quieto [Italian] Calm, serene.
  • rasch [German] Rapid, swift.
  • ruggiero [Italian] A musical scheme which is at times harmonic and at times melodic. It is seen in 16th and 17th century music, for both vocal and instrumental pieces and improvisations.
  • non-harmonic note In part writing, a note that is dissonant with other notes in the same chord.
  • chord progression Series of chords played in order.
  • canon Strict imitation, in which one voice imitates another at a staggered time interval.
  • leggerissimo [Italian] Very light, very delicate.
  • duration The length of time that a note is sounded or a rest (silence) is observed.
  • stentato [Italian] Labored, heavy, in a dragging manner, sluggish. Alternatively, strong and forced.
  • accent The stress of one tone over others.
  • sinfonia [Italian] A term brought into use in the late Renaissance with a variety of specific meanings, generally implying a composition similar to a canzona or a prelude. By the 18th century the term had a similar implication as the term sonata. During the 18th century it came to be used for a three movement composition, until it gradually took on the meaning of our modern term symphony.
  • amorevole [Italian] Loving, affectionate.
  • finale [Italian] The last movement in a composition of several movements.
  • garbato [Italian] Kind, amiable, graceful
  • false note A muted or dampened note that has rhythm but often no discernible pitch.