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

  • string quartet An ensemble consisting of two violins, viola, and cello, or a work composed for such an ensemble.
  • retardation A slowing down of the tempo.
  • body The middle section of a flute, with the majority of the keys.
  • sciolto [Italian] A directive to perform at ease, in a light, free manner.
  • varsovienne [French] A French dance in 3/4 time with a moderate tempo.
  • diminuendo [Italian] A directive to smoothly decrease the volume.
  • musique concrète [French] Music made up of natural sounds and sound effects that are recorded and then manipulated electronically.
  • drone A harmonic or monophonic effect or accompaniment where a note or chord is continuously sounded throughout much or all of a piece, sustained or repeated.
  • tonguing In the performance of wind instruments, the technique of using the tongue to produce certain sounds and effects, and especially the technique in which notes are attacked and articulated.
  • trio [Italian] A composition for three performers.
  • mordent An ornament indicating that a note is to be played in a single rapid alternation with the note above or below.
  • oratorio [Italian] Large-scale dramatic genre originating in the Baroque, based on a text of religious or serious character, performed by solo voices, chorus and orchestra; similar to opera but without scenery, costumes or action.
  • fertig [German] Dexterous, nimble, quick.
  • double exposition In a concerto, a twofold statement of the theme, once by the orchestra and once by the soloist.
  • dolce [Italian] Sweet, soft, with tender emotion.