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

  • trio sonata [Italian] A baroque sonata for two treble instruments and continuo, generally requiring four performers.
  • stabile [Italian] Firm.
  • alterezza [Italian] Pride or haughtiness.
  • accablement [French] Despondency, oppression.
  • étude [French] Study piece that focuses on a particular technical problem.
  • 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.
  • choir A group of singers who perform together, usually in parts, with several on each part.
  • Kantor [German] Music director of a Lutheran church, and usually the director of music at a school or institution attached to the church as well.
  • sordamente [Italian] Softly, gently, or in a muffled or damped style.
  • tutti [Italian] “All”. A directive to perform with all instruments together.
  • operetta [Italian] A less serious form of opera made up of spoken dialog, songs and dances.
  • turn An ornament consisting of four notes, alternating the main note with the one above it and the one below.
  • larigot [French] A shepherd's flute or pipe.
  • moderato [Italian] A moderate tempo, faster than andante but slower than allegretto, usually around 100–120 BPM.
  • double exposition In a concerto, a twofold statement of the theme, once by the orchestra and once by the soloist.