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

  • subject The melody upon which a fugue is based; a melody, motive, or theme. The theme or melody upon which any composition is based.
  • spiritoso [Italian] Spirited, lively.
  • part writing The component of counterpoint that recognizes each voice as an individual, horizontal melody rather than as a part of the resultant, vertical chords.
  • 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.
  • tosto [Italian] Swiftly, rapidly.
  • tessitura [Italian] The most musically acceptable and comfortable range for a given singer or, less frequently, musical instrument.
  • prelude An instrumental composition intended to introduce a larger composition or a set of compositions.
  • catch A humorous composition for three or four voices common in England during the 16th century. The parts are written so that each singer catches up to the other parts, giving the words different meanings than if each line was sung alone, usually to a humorous or bawdy effect.
  • mezzo-soprano [Italian] The female voice between soprano and contralto.
  • ritardando [Italian] Gradually delaying the tempo.
  • chromaticism Use of tones extraneous to a diatonic scale (major or minor).
  • fusion Style that combines jazz improvisation with amplified instruments of rock.
  • fortissimo-piano [Italian] A dynamic marking (ffp) indicating that the marked note should be attacked very loudly, instantly diminishing to a much softer volume.
  • patetico [Italian] “Pathetic”, with great emotion.
  • mezzo piano [Italian] Moderately soft. Not quite so soft as piano.