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

  • parallel keys Two keys, one major and one minor, having the same tonic.
  • basse dance [French] A graceful, stately court dance of the early Renaissance.
  • decibel A logarithmic unit for measuring the intensity of sound, corresponding to the listener's perception of loudness.
  • mancando [Italian] A directive for the volume to grow quieter and die away.
  • acoustical instrument Any musical instrument not relying on external power for operation.
  • lent [French] Slow.
  • largo [Italian] A slow and solemn tempo marking, usually around 40–60 BPM.
  • marziale [Italian] Martial, with a military feeling.
  • theme and variations A style of composition that first presents a basic theme and then develops and alters that theme in successive statements.
  • tenuto [Italian] A directive to perform a certain note or chord of a composition in a sustained manner for longer than its full duration.
  • concerto grosso [Italian] A baroque style of music in which a small group of solo instruments (the concertino) plays in opposition to a larger ensemble (the ripieno).
  • estinto [Italian] Literally, “extinguished”. A directive to perform as soft as possible.
  • petite reprise [French] Repetition of the last few measures of a piece after a larger repetition. The starting point of the section to be repeated is usually indicated with a small “segno”.
  • cantus firmus [Latin] “Fixed melody”, usually of very long notes, often based on a fragment of Gregorian chant that served as the structural basis for a polyphonic composition, particularly in the Renaissance.
  • deciso [Italian] Decided, bold.