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

  • Minnelied [German] A love song composed in the Minnesang tradition.
  • dirge A generic term used for a composition designed specifically for a funeral or in commemoration of the dead.
  • vago [Italian] Vague, indefinite.
  • vif [French] A tempo directive meaning “lively”.
  • motet Polyphonic vocal genre, secular in the Middle Ages but sacred or devotional thereafter.
  • recapitulation In sonata-allegro form, the final presentation of the original theme group, first presented in the exposition.
  • overblowing A technique employed by woodwind players (flute players in particular) in which the player directs the flow of air to obtain a harmonic tone other than the fundamental.
  • dolce [Italian] Sweet, soft, with tender emotion.
  • string quintet Standard chamber ensemble made up of either two violins, two violas and cello, or two violins, viola and two cellos.
  • murky A style of keyboard playing in which the bass consists of quick alternating octaves rather than slower, longer notes.
  • resonator Term referring to those parts of instruments which resonate or vibrate, thus enhancing the sound of the instrument.
  • courante [French] A family of triple meter dances from the late Renaissance and the Baroque era.
  • legato [Italian] Literally, “tied together”. A directive to perform a certain passage in a smooth, connected style. It is usually indicated by a slur over the affected notes.
  • tristezza [Italian] Sadness.
  • concertmaster The term used to address the principal first violinist of an orchestra.