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

  • sonata-rondò [Italian] A form of a composition that displays characteristics of both the rondò and the sonata forms.
  • interpretation The manner in which a performer carries out a composer's performance directions.
  • vocal cords The vocal organs in the human being which produce sound.
  • non-transposing instrument An instrument which is notated in the same key on paper that it sounds when played.
  • coda [Italian] Literally, “tail”. The last part of a piece, usually added to a standard form to bring it to a close.
  • passamezzo [Italian] A 16th and 17th century Italian dance similar to or identical to the pavane.
  • plus [French] “More”.
  • compound interval An interval greater than an octave.
  • blues African-American music genre, characterized by simple repetitive structures and by the use of the blues chord progressions and the blue notes.
  • resolution In partwriting, the resolving of a dissonant sound to a consonant sound in the following chord. Also, the conclusive ending to a musical statement.
  • semitone A minor second; the smallest interval in the system of Western music.
  • oral tradition Music that is transmitted by example or imitation and performed from memory.
  • rastrum [Latin] A pen that has five points (nibs), for use in notating staff lines.
  • sextet A piece for six singers or instrumentalists. Also, a group of such musicians.
  • canto [Italian] Literally, “singing”. The highest vocal part in choral music.