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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Please note: a music glossary is just like a dictionary. It contains explanations to musical terms. If you are looking for a piece, please go here instead: search tunes.

Some random terms

  • non-transposing instrument An instrument which is notated in the same key on paper that it sounds when played.
  • Stück [German] A piece of music.
  • varsovienne [French] A French dance in 3/4 time with a moderate tempo.
  • isorhythmic motet Medieval and early Renaissance motet based on a repeating rhythmic pattern throughout one or more voices.
  • sixty-fourth note A note having the time duration of one sixty-fourth of a whole note.
  • gravità [Italian] Gravity, utmost seriousness or solemnity.
  • section A group of identical or similar instruments in an ensemble.
  • subject The melody upon which a fugue is based; a melody, motive, or theme. The theme or melody upon which any composition is based.
  • interlude Any piece of music played or sung between the movements of a larger composition.
  • finale [Italian] The last movement in a composition of several movements.
  • divertissment [French] A light, entertaining dance and music combination related to the divertimento.
  • arioso [Italian] A short, melodious composition in the style of an aria.
  • quintet A piece for five singers or instrumentalists. Also, a group of such musicians.
  • luttuoso [Italian] Mournful.
  • volta [Italian] “Time”, as in “first time” (prima volta) or “second time” (seconda volta).