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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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

  • comma [Italian] Difference in pitch between a note derived from pure tuning and the same note derived from some other tuning method.
  • intontito [Italian] Dull, numbed, dazed, stunned.
  • resonator Term referring to those parts of instruments which resonate or vibrate, thus enhancing the sound of the instrument.
  • choral prelude Short baroque organ composition in which a traditional melody is embellished.
  • leise [German] Quiet.
  • scale A series of notes in ascending or descending order that presents the pitches of a key or mode, beginning and ending on the tonic of that key or mode.
  • klingen [German] To resonate.
  • overblowing A technique employed by woodwind players (flute players in particular) in which the player directs the flow of air to obtain a harmonic tone other than the fundamental.
  • Reigenlied [German] Medieval dance form in triple meter, characterized by repeated notes and phrases.
  • ballade [French] A one-movement musical piece with lyrical and dramatic narrative qualities, usually having a text dealing with courtly love.
  • echo A repetition or mimicking of a certain passage, usually with less force and volume than the original statement.
  • haut [French] Literally, “high”. Medieval category of loud instruments, used principally for outdoor occasions.
  • vivo [Italian] Lively.
  • Hertz [German] The basic unit of measurement of frequency, definable as one cycle per second. Usually abbreviated “Hz”.
  • lointain [French] “Distant”, “faraway”.