Multilingual Music Glossary

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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

  • triplet Three notes of equal length that are to be performed in the duration of two notes of equal length.
  • intonation A term referring to the proper production of a tone so that it is exactly in tune.
  • triste [Italian] Sad.
  • 15ma [Italian] A directive to perform two octaves higher than written.
  • inline G On a flute, the standard position of the left-hand G (third-finger) key: in line with the first and second keys.
  • bagatelle [French] A short piece of music, typically for the piano, and usually of a light, mellow character. The term literally means a “trifle”, as a reference to the innocent character of the piece.
  • mode A series of notes into which the octave is divided according to specific systems. These systems or modes are used as the basis for composing music. Examples of modes are the major and minor scales.
  • cadence A sequence of chords that terminates a musical phrase or section.
  • prelude An instrumental composition intended to introduce a larger composition or a set of compositions.
  • moderato [Italian] A moderate tempo, faster than andante but slower than allegretto, usually around 100–120 BPM.
  • allegrissimo [Italian] A fast tempo marking, faster than allegro.
  • mixolydian The Gregorian mode based upon the fifth tone of the scale. This mode, based on G, includes all the tones of the C major scale.
  • gymel A Medieval technique of splitting one voice part into two parts, both with the same range. In most cases the voices would start and end together, but would diverge in the middle of the composition.
  • strain A division of a composition between two double bars. It can also be referred to as a section. A strain will typically contain a primary or secondary melody of the larger composition that is often repeated.
  • disco Commercial dance music popular in the 1970s, characterized by strong percussion in a quadruple meter.