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

  • Dixieland An early style of jazz originating in the early 20th century in New Orleans with a simple, cheerful character.
  • ictus [Latin] The instant when a beat occurs.
  • pivot [French] A chord that is placed in a transition between two keys, serving a different function in each key and providing smooth movement between them.
  • serein [French] Serene, calm.
  • quadrille [French] An early 19th century ballroom dance for four or more couples.
  • con amore [Italian] “With love”, lovingly.
  • affannato [Italian] Anguished.
  • furioso [Italian] “Furious”.
  • animato [Italian] Animated or spirited.
  • nobile [Italian] “Noble“, grand, impressive.
  • affabilità [Italian] Literally, “affability”. A directive to perform with ease and elegance, in a pleasing and agreeable manner.
  • strict counterpoint The strict application of the rules of part writing.
  • arioso [Italian] A short, melodious composition in the style of an aria.
  • couplet [French] A term used in the 1600s and 1700s for the intermediate sections of a rondeau.
  • non troppo [Italian] Not too much.