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

  • voce piena [Italian] “Full voice”.
  • cakewalk Traditional, syncopated African-American form of music and dance which originated among slaves in the Southern United States.
  • 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.
  • remote keys Those keys that have few notes in common. The key of C and the key of F sharp would be considered remote.
  • cut off An arm and hand motion by a conductor that indicates to an ensemble that they stop performing. This is normally done at the end of a composition, at the end of a movement or section, or on a fermata.
  • dur [French] Literally, “hard”. With a harsh or ungraceful tone.
  • recitative A flexible style of vocal delivery employed in opera, oratorio, and cantata and tailored to the accents and rhythms of the text.
  • zart [German] Tender, delicate.
  • mariachi [Spanish] Traditional Mexican ensemble popular throughout the country, consisting of trumpets, violins, guitar and bass guitar.
  • allegrezza [Italian] Cheerfulness, happiness, joyfulness.
  • serenade [French] Night music; a classical instrumental genre that combines elements of chamber music and symphonic music.
  • gracieusement [French] Gracefully.
  • polyharmony Two or more streams of harmony played against each other; common in twentieth century music.
  • tourney A composition created for a tournament, popular in the 17th century especially in Italy and France. Tourneys were often used in weddings and other festive occasions.
  • program symphony A multi-movement composition with extra-musical content that directs the attention of the listener to a literary or pictorial association.