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

  • immer [German] Ever, always.
  • ritardando [Italian] Gradually delaying the tempo.
  • con brio [Italian] With vivacity or spirit.
  • counterpoint The art of combining two or more melodies to be performed simultaneously. In counterpoint, the melody is supported by another melody rather than by chords.
  • circular breathing Technique used by players of some wind instruments to produce a continuous tone without interruption. This is accomplished by breathing in through the nose while simultaneously blowing out through the mouth using air stored in the cheeks.
  • flat An accidental symbol that lowers the pitch of a note by a semitone.
  • diatonic Melody or harmony built from the seven tones of a major or minor scale.
  • liturgy In those churches that use standard written forms of services, the ritual or service of public worship.
  • non-harmonic note In part writing, a note that is dissonant with other notes in the same chord.
  • Rinaldi numbers A numbering system identifying compositions by Antonio Vivaldi.
  • 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.
  • vocalise [French] A vocal exercise that is sung without words, typically using different vowel sounds.
  • adagio [Italian] A slow tempo marking, usually around 66–76 BPM.
  • spiritual A style of music invented by Afro-American slaves. Spirituals are generally religious songs with elements of African rhythms, Biblical texts, and American accents. Usually the text is concerned with earthly tribulations and heavenly justice and reward.
  • neoromantic A compositional style of the 20th century embodying the techniques and characteristics of the romantic period.