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

  • divisi [Italian] Literally, “divided”. A directive in ensemble music that instructs one section to divide into two or more separate sections, each playing a separate part. Often these separate parts are written on the same staff.
  • duple meter A rhythmic pattern with the the number of beats per measure being divisible by two.
  • head joint The top section of a flute, with the tone hole where the player initiates the sound by blowing air across the opening.
  • Abendmusik [German] Evening music, usually religious in nature, originating in the 17th century.
  • sonata-allegro form The opening movement of the sonata cycle, consisting of themes that are stated in the first section (exposition), developed in the second section (development), and restated in the third section (recapitulation).
  • deciso [Italian] Decided, bold.
  • prestissimo [Italian] Extremely fast tempo marking, usually around 200 BPM.
  • rigore [Italian] Rigour.
  • 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.
  • amorevole [Italian] Loving, affectionate.
  • polycoral Performance style developed in the late sixteenth century involving the use of two or more choirs that alternate with each other or sing together.
  • oral tradition Music that is transmitted by example or imitation and performed from memory.
  • feierlich [German] Solemn.
  • murky A style of keyboard playing in which the bass consists of quick alternating octaves rather than slower, longer notes.
  • partita [Italian] In the 18th and 19th century, a multi-movement composition consisting of dances and non-dance movements or entirely of non-dance movements.