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

  • simile [Italian] “Similar”. Often used to designate the continuation of the use of an articulation without repeating the articulation symbol.
  • Longo numbers A numbering system identifying keyboard sonatas by Domenico Scarlatti.
  • scat singing A vocal jazz style that consists of improvised nonsense syllables sung to an an improvised melody, usually over an instrumental accompaniment.
  • strathspey A lively Scottish dance in 4/4 time related to the reel. A characteristic of this dance is the peculiar rhythmic pattern of a dotted eighth note followed by a sixteenth, known as the Scotch snap.
  • soprano [Italian] The highest female voice.
  • bass flute A flute that plays one octave below the concert flute.
  • Handel-Werke-Verzeichnis [German] The numbering system identifying compositions by George Frederic Handel.
  • tyrolienne [French] A dance form in quick triple meter.
  • impetuoso [Italian] Impetuous, vehement.
  • subito [Italian] At once, immediately.
  • fingering The methodical use of fingers in the playing of instruments.
  • bizzarro [Italian] Odd, whimsical, irregular.
  • vocal music music that is written or arranged to be performed by human voices.
  • monody Term applied to Italian songs written to be performed by one voice with instrumental accompaniment dating from the first half of the 17th century.
  • villanelle [French] A French term used in the 16th century for pastoral poems or songs. The term was later revived, and applied to compositions by later composers.