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

  • modulation Moving from one key to another.
  • parallel keys Two keys, one major and one minor, having the same tonic.
  • ossia [Italian] An alternative version of a music, usually only a few measures long and marked as an added staff.
  • expression The blend of feeling and intellect brought to a performance by the performer.
  • trio [Italian] A composition for three performers.
  • white noise Sounds containing every audible frequency at approximately the same intensity.
  • Middle Ages A period from about 600 AD until about 1450 AD. Sometimes divided divided into two periods, the early middle ages (ca. 600–1100) and the late middle ages or Gothic Period (ca. 1100–1450).
  • Leitmotiv [German] A term adopted by Wagner's disciples to designate the “leading motives” in his operas.
  • canticle A sacred hymn or song.
  • musico [Italian] Term applied to any musician in the 17th and 18th centuries.
  • neoclassical Term applied to 20th century composers who use the forms and thematic processes of the classical era.
  • binary measure A measure containing two beats.
  • musical Genre of twentieth century musical theater, especially popular in the United States and Great Britain; characterized by spoken dialogue, dramatic plot interspersed with songs, ensemble numbers and dancing.
  • lamentoso [Italian] Like a lament, plaintive.
  • sospirando [Italian] Sighing.