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

  • belebend [German] Lively.
  • harmony Tones sounding simultaneously.
  • ossia [Italian] An alternative version of a music, usually only a few measures long and marked as an added staff.
  • isorhythmic motet Medieval and early Renaissance motet based on a repeating rhythmic pattern throughout one or more voices.
  • gaudioso [Italian] Joyous, joyful.
  • romance [French] Originally a ballad; in the Romantic era, a lyric instrumental work.
  • fundamental A base pitch from which a series of harmonics is produced.
  • Longo numbers A numbering system identifying keyboard sonatas by Domenico Scarlatti.
  • Leitmotiv [German] A term adopted by Wagner's disciples to designate the “leading motives” in his operas.
  • 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.
  • fortissimo-piano [Italian] A dynamic marking (ffp) indicating that the marked note should be attacked very loudly, instantly diminishing to a much softer volume.
  • chorale Baroque congregational hymn of the German Lutheran church, usually written for four voice harmony.
  • countertenor A male voice of unusually high range, generally achieved through falsetto. The countertenor has the range of either the female alto or soprano.
  • interlude Any piece of music played or sung between the movements of a larger composition.
  • stanchezza [Italian] Weariness.