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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Some random terms

  • interval Difference in pitch between two notes.
  • ode A composition written in commemoration and celebration of a particular event, object, or person. Especially popular in England.
  • chanson [French] French polyphonic song of the Middle Ages and Renaissance set to either courtly or popular poetry.
  • compound interval An interval greater than an octave.
  • all'ottava [Italian] Literally, “at the octave”. Directive to perform an indicated passage of a composition one octave higher than notated. Typically, this is indicated by an “8va” or “8” over the passage followed by a dotted line over the top of all the notes to be transposed.
  • cantabile [Italian] Songful, in a singing style.
  • cue-notes In a separate part, notes belonging to another part with the purpose of hinting when to start playing. Usually printed in a smaller type.
  • root position The position of a chord when the base pitch of the chord is in the lowest voice.
  • quintet A piece for five singers or instrumentalists. Also, a group of such musicians.
  • multiphonics The technique of performing two or more tones simultaneously on an instrument that is designed to produce only one tone at a time, like the flute.
  • con tenerezza [Italian] “With tenderness”.
  • pomposo [Italian] Pompous, stately, or ceremonious.
  • grand staff A combination of two staves with a brace, usually used for piano music.
  • ornament Musical flourishes that are not necessary to carry the overall line of the melody (or harmony), but serve instead to decorate or “ornament” that line. Many ornaments are performed as fast notes around a central note.
  • tessitura [Italian] The most musically acceptable and comfortable range for a given singer or, less frequently, musical instrument.