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
- basso continuo
Literally, “continuous bass”. A bass part that runs continuously throughout a work, characteristic of Baroque music.
- ripresa
A refrain or repeat.
- ternary form A three-part musical structure (ABA) based on statement (A), contrast (B) and repetition (A).
- gymel A Medieval technique of splitting one voice part into two parts, both with the same range. In most cases the voices would start and end together, but would diverge in the middle of the composition.
- operetta
A less serious form of opera made up of spoken dialog, songs and dances.
- l'istesso tempo
Literally, “the same tempo”. An indication that directs that the beat remains constant when the meter changes.
- heterophony Texture in which two or more voices (or parts) elaborate the same melody simultaneously, often the result of improvisation.
- semitone A minor second; the smallest interval in the system of Western music.
- pitch Highness or lowness of a tone, depending on the frequency (rate of vibration).
- strain A division of a composition between two double bars. It can also be referred to as a section. A strain will typically contain a primary or secondary melody of the larger composition that is often repeated.
- larigot
A shepherd's flute or pipe.
- tarantella
A fast Italian dance in 6/8 time, characterized by alternations between major and minor tonalities and a quickening of tempo throughout the composition.
- zusammen
Literally, “together”. A directive to perform a certain passage of music together with other musicians in the section. Typically found after a divisi.
- bar Each of the lines drawn perpendicularly across the staff to divide it into measures. In common usage the term may also mean measure.
- Trommelbass
Literally, “drum-bass”. A bass line that contains steady, constant, repeated notes.