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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Found a word you don't know? No problem. Look it up in the Music Glossary!

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

  • quartal harmony Harmony based on the interval of the fourth as opposed to a third; used in twentieth century music.
  • mezza voce [Italian] Literally, “half voice”. A directive to perform in a quiet or restrained manner.
  • oral tradition Music that is transmitted by example or imitation and performed from memory.
  • art song A vocal music composition, usually written for one singer with piano or orchestral accompaniment.
  • clavier [French] Any keyboard instrument.
  • con anima [Italian] “With soul”, with feeling.
  • stromentato [Italian] Accompanied.
  • medley A piece of music that is composed of melodies of other compositons strung together.
  • saltando [Italian] Proceeding in leaps or skips.
  • neoclassical Term applied to 20th century composers who use the forms and thematic processes of the classical era.
  • compound harmony Regular harmony with an added octave in the bass.
  • tertian harmony Term applied to harmony which is based upon the interval of the third.
  • scena [Italian] A term used to describe the stage, scene or act of an opera. Also, a term for a set of vocal movements in a theatrical production, usually including a recitative, arioso, and aria.
  • lebhaft [German] Lively.
  • Ländler [German] A folk dance in 3/4 time which was popular in Austria, south Germany and German Switzerland at the end of the 18th century.