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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Found a word you don't know? No problem. Look it up in the Music Glossary!

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

  • variation An altered version of a rhythm, motive, or theme.
  • contrary motion Simultaneous motion of two voices, one of which is in opposition to the other, with one voice rising in pitch while the other one falls in pitch.
  • choral prelude Short baroque organ composition in which a traditional melody is embellished.
  • backfall A descending appoggiatura.
  • hocket A Medieval practice of composition in which two voices would move in such a manner that one would be still while the other moved and vice-versa.
  • alterezza [Italian] Pride or haughtiness.
  • rasch [German] Rapid, swift.
  • estinto [Italian] Literally, “extinguished”. A directive to perform as soft as possible.
  • moto [Italian] Motion, movement.
  • acoustics The science that deals with the study of sound. Also, the art of optimizing sound in a room or other enclosed space, considering reverberation and other acoustical qualities.
  • fundamental A base pitch from which a series of harmonics is produced.
  • mainstream Music which is currently popular and in demand.
  • tyrolienne [French] A dance form in quick triple meter.
  • ledger line Short, horizontal line added to the top or the bottom of a staff for the reception of a note too high or too low to be represented on the staff.
  • prima volta [Italian] “First time”; may refer to the first ending of a repetition.