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

Hint: Don't worry about accents over letters, just skip them.

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…

You may browse the glossary alphabetically, or directly search for a term by using the search box above.

If you are looking for a symbol, check out our Guide to Musical Symbols.

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

  • poco [Italian] “Not very”, “not much”.
  • counterpoint The art of combining two or more melodies to be performed simultaneously. In counterpoint, the melody is supported by another melody rather than by chords.
  • string quintet Standard chamber ensemble made up of either two violins, two violas and cello, or two violins, viola and two cellos.
  • Leichen-musik [German] Funeral music.
  • gebrochen [German] “Broken”.
  • staccato [Italian] A style of playing notes in a detached, separated, distinct manner, as opposed to legato.
  • squillante [Italian] Ringing.
  • strict counterpoint The strict application of the rules of part writing.
  • loco [Latin] A directive to play in the normal playing position; it cancels any previous direction to play in an unusual position, like all'ottava.
  • madrigal choir Small vocal ensemble that specializes in a cappella secular works.
  • chord progression Series of chords played in order.
  • Tzigane [French] Term used for a composition having gypsy influences or flavor.
  • ritmico [Italian] Literally, “rhythmic”. A directive to strictly conform to the written rhythm, emphasizing it.
  • verismo [Italian] A term meaning “realism”, applied to Romantic works (especially operas) of the late 19th century that have to do with unpleasant realities of life.
  • ternary form A three-part musical structure (ABA) based on statement (A), contrast (B) and repetition (A).