Multilingual Music Glossary
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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
- string quartet An ensemble consisting of two violins, viola, and cello, or a work composed for such an ensemble.
- ictus
The instant when a beat occurs. - dampen A directive to muffle, deaden or restrain the tone of an instrument.
- bravura
Literally, “skill”. Great dexterity and skill in execution. - orchestra An instrumental ensemble, usually fairly large, with string, brass, woodwind sections, and possibly a percussion section as well.
- unison Interval between two notes of the same pitch; the simultaneous playing of the same note.
- moto
Motion, movement. - timbre
The quality of a sound; that component of a tone that causes different instruments (for example a flute and a violin) to sound different from each other while they are both playing the same note. - mambo
Dance of Afro-Cuban origin with a characteristic quadruple-meter rhythmic pattern. - fiero
Proud, haughty, noble. - fixed form A form in which the poetic structure determines musical repetitions.
- passepied
A baroque dance in triple meter. - bas
Low in pitch. - fingering The methodical use of fingers in the playing of instruments.
- accompagnato
Accompanied.