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

  • concertmaster The term used to address the principal first violinist of an orchestra.
  • retrograde Backward statement of a melody.
  • augmentation Statement of a melody in longer note values, often twice as slow as the original.
  • triple meter A metrical pattern having three beats to a measure.
  • connecting note A note held in common by two chords.
  • loco [Latin] A directive to play in the normal playing position; it cancels any previous direction to play in an unusual position, like all'ottava.
  • arabesque [French] An ornament or an embellished work. The term is taken from the Arabic art and architecture which is very ornate.
  • adagissimo [Italian] An extremely slow tempo marking, slower than adagio.
  • zusammen [German] Literally, “together”. A directive to perform a certain passage of music together with other musicians in the section. Typically found after a divisi.
  • passepied [French] A baroque dance in triple meter.
  • grand opera A style of opera that was developed in France in the 19th century that involved no spoken dialogue. It contained huge choruses, serious plots, elaborate dance episodes, ornate costumes and spectacular scenery.
  • strophic form Song structure in which every stanza of the text is sung to the same musical tune.
  • poco a poco [Italian] Little by little.
  • krakoviak A syncopated Polish dance in 2/4 time.
  • 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.