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

  • fipple The block, typically of wood, that forms the floor of the windway of an edge-blown aerophone.
  • 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.
  • bass The lowest part in a musical composition.
  • mezzo [Italian] Half, medium.
  • tailgate A slang term for a trombone Glissando in Dixieland jazz.
  • mariachi [Spanish] Traditional Mexican ensemble popular throughout the country, consisting of trumpets, violins, guitar and bass guitar.
  • quintet A piece for five singers or instrumentalists. Also, a group of such musicians.
  • litany A prayer or processional of supplication to God, to Mary, or to the saints in which the priest or deacon chants the supplication and the congregation responds with “Ora pro nobis”, “Kyrie eleison”, etc.
  • quarter tone Half a semitone.
  • false note A muted or dampened note that has rhythm but often no discernible pitch.
  • augmentation Statement of a melody in longer note values, often twice as slow as the original.
  • recoupe [French] A dance of the French Renaissance.
  • musico [Italian] Term applied to any musician in the 17th and 18th centuries.
  • raddolcendo [Italian] Growing sweeter and calmer.
  • basse dance [French] A graceful, stately court dance of the early Renaissance.