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

  • accompaniment Additional but subordinate music used to support a melodic line. Also, the art of playing along with a soloist or ensemble in a supporting manner.
  • serioso [Italian] Serious, grave.
  • grand opera A style of opera that was developed in France in the 19th century that involved no spoken dialogue. It contained huge choruses, serious plots, elaborate dance episodes, ornate costumes and spectacular scenery.
  • big band A type of musical ensemble associated with playing jazz music and which became popular during the Swing Era from the early 1930s until the late 1940s. A big band typically consists of approximately 12 to 25 musicians and contains saxophones, trumpets, trombones and a rhythm section.
  • leise [German] Quiet.
  • estampie [French] A type of early instrumental music of the 13th and 14th centuries, consisting of independent sections strung together.
  • medley A piece of music that is composed of melodies of other compositons strung together.
  • world music A 20th century term used by the music recording industry to categorize non-American music that does not fit into any of the established genres. This music tends to be folk music from outside of the United States of America.
  • ruhig [German] Calm, peaceful.
  • ballet [French] A representation of a story by means of dances or pantomimic action accompanied by music.
  • triad A chord made up of three notes.
  • dopo [Italian] “After”.
  • gavotte [French] Duple meter baroque dance of a pastoral character.
  • Charleston A fast syncopated American dance popular in the 1920s.
  • lament A song of mourning the dead or of leave-taking. The funeral lament is one of the most common, dating back to antiquity.