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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Please note: a music glossary is just like a dictionary. It contains explanations to musical terms. If you are looking for a piece, please go here instead: search tunes.

Some random terms

  • quadrille [French] An early 19th century ballroom dance for four or more couples.
  • section A group of identical or similar instruments in an ensemble.
  • compound harmony Regular harmony with an added octave in the bass.
  • vivo [Italian] Lively.
  • alto flute A flute pitched in the key of G, sounding a 4th lower than the concert flute.
  • canticle A sacred hymn or song.
  • arioso [Italian] A short, melodious composition in the style of an aria.
  • habanera [Spanish] Moderate duple meter dance of Cuban origin, popular in the nineteenth century. It is based on a characteristic rhythmic figure.
  • laisser vibrer [French] A directive to the performer of a harp, piano, cymbal, or other struck or plucked instrument that the sound should not be damped or stopped after the initial attack, but should be allowed to die away naturally.
  • larghissimo [Italian] An extremely slow tempo, slower than largo.
  • choral prelude Short baroque organ composition in which a traditional melody is embellished.
  • double sharp An accidental sign (‛x’) that raises a note by two semitones.
  • character piece Term used for a broad range of 19th century piano music based on a single idea or program.
  • luttuoso [Italian] Mournful.
  • springer An ornament consisting of the main tone followed by the tone above it followed by the tone above that, then returning to the original main tone.