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

  • 15ma [Italian] A directive to perform two octaves higher than written.
  • transverse flute The regular orchestral flute, as distinct from the recorder.
  • dramma giocoso [Italian] A kind of comic opera originating around 1750, with sentimental or pathetic plots bordering on tragedy rather than the traditional lighthearted comic plots.
  • monothematic Work or movement based on a single theme.
  • fourth An interval of four diatonic scale tones, counting the first and last tone.
  • roulade [French] A highly ornamented vocal composition, usually for one voice and accompaniment.
  • tenerezza [Italian] Tenderness.
  • additive meter A pattern of beats that subdivide into smaller, irregular groups. It is common in Eastern European musics, and contemporary compositions attempting to emulate such a sound. For example, a time signature like 9/8, which is normally subdivided as 3+3+3, may be subdivided by the composer as 2+3+2+2 for musical effect.
  • operetta [Italian] A less serious form of opera made up of spoken dialog, songs and dances.
  • zeloso [Italian] Zealous, keen, earnest.
  • varsovienne [French] A French dance in 3/4 time with a moderate tempo.
  • accablement [French] Despondency, oppression.
  • Schottische [German] A German round dance in duple time.
  • theme group Several themes in the same key that function as a unit within a section of a form, particularly in sonata-allegro form.
  • fortissimo-piano [Italian] A dynamic marking (ffp) indicating that the marked note should be attacked very loudly, instantly diminishing to a much softer volume.