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

  • choro [Portuguese] Literally, “cry”, or “lament”. Brazilian popular music instrumental style, born in 19th-century Rio de Janeiro. In spite of the name, the style has often a fast and happy rhythm, characterized by the improvisations of the musician.
  • cassation Classical instrumental genre related to the serenade or divertimento, often performed outdoors.
  • bolero [Spanish] A moderately slow Spanish dance in 3/4 time.
  • tango [Spanish] A dance in 2/4 time from Argentina.
  • lentement [French] Slowly.
  • glee club Originally, a club designed for the singing of glees, originating in 1787 and dissolved in 1857. In modern usage, a glee club is a club usually, but not necessarily, exclusive to males, organized for the singing of vocal compositions.
  • modal Having to do with modes; this term is applied most particularly to music that is based upon the Gregorian modes, rather than to music based upon the major, minor, or any other scale.
  • lyrics The words of a song.
  • rhythm section In a popular music band or ensemble, the performers who establish the rhythmic pulse of a song or musical piece, and who lay down the chordal structure.
  • consonant A chord (or an interval) that is pleasing and harmonious to the ear.
  • opus [Latin] A number, often assigned by a publisher, used to classify a particular work of a composer.
  • jazz A musical style created mainly by African-Americans in the early twentieth century that blended elements drawn from African musics with the popular and art traditions of the West.
  • ridicolo [Italian] Absurd, ludicrous, ridiculous.
  • music drama Wagner's term for his operas.
  • a tempo [Italian] A directive to return to the original tempo after a deliberate deviation.