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

  • innocentemente Innocently.
  • sonata [Italian] An instrumental genre in several movements for a soloist or an ensemble. The original usage for the term "sonata" implied a composition that was to be played rather than sung. Later, the term "sonata" came to be understood as a four movement piece: slow, fast, slow, fast, as was used in the church sonata (sonata da chiesa), or allemande, courante, sarabande, and gigue, as was used in the chamber sonata (sonata da camera). As the sonata developed, it became longer and adopted the sonata-allegro form for the first movement, which was generally fast. The following movement was generally somewhat slower, and the number of movements varied, but was generally about three.
  • tonality The organization of a composition around a tonic.
  • grandioso [Italian] Majestic, grand, noble.
  • dopo [Italian] “After”.
  • lusingando [Italian] Caressing, flattering.
  • ostinato [Italian] Literally, “obstinate”. A short melodic, rhythmic, or harmonic pattern that is repeated throughout a composition.
  • triplet Three notes of equal length that are to be performed in the duration of two notes of equal length.
  • Leben [German] Life, vivacity.
  • chromatic scale A scale consisting of all 12 semitones.
  • sextet A piece for six singers or instrumentalists. Also, a group of such musicians.
  • neoclassical Term applied to 20th century composers who use the forms and thematic processes of the classical era.
  • parlando [Italian] “Speaking”.
  • cotillion [French] A popular dance in the French Courts in the 18th and 19th century, that preceded the Quadrille style of dancing.
  • alborada [Spanish] Literally, “dawn”. Lively instrumental composition to be played at daybreak, usually in 6/8 time.