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

  • phrasing The clear rendering in musical performance of the phrases of a melody.
  • fixed form A form in which the poetic structure determines musical repetitions.
  • tenuto [Italian] A directive to perform a certain note or chord of a composition in a sustained manner for longer than its full duration.
  • degree Any tone of the diatonic scale.
  • heftig [German] Vehement, boisterous.
  • 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.
  • dal segno [Italian] A directive to go back to a specific place of a composition, marked by a sign.
  • double whole note A note twice as long as a whole note. Mainly used in pre-1650 music.
  • litany A prayer or processional of supplication to God, to Mary, or to the saints in which the priest or deacon chants the supplication and the congregation responds with “Ora pro nobis”, “Kyrie eleison”, etc.
  • neoclassical Term applied to 20th century composers who use the forms and thematic processes of the classical era.
  • quadruple meter Metrical pattern with four beats to a measure.
  • isorhythmic motet Medieval and early Renaissance motet based on a repeating rhythmic pattern throughout one or more voices.
  • relative pitch The ability to identify any pitch in reference to a given pitch.
  • ober [German] Upper, higher.
  • ritenuto [Italian] Literally, “kept back”. Immediate reduction of speed.