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

  • simple interval An interval covering a single octave or less.
  • oratorio [Italian] Large-scale dramatic genre originating in the Baroque, based on a text of religious or serious character, performed by solo voices, chorus and orchestra; similar to opera but without scenery, costumes or action.
  • fortepiano [Italian] A dynamic marking (fp) directing the performer to attack the written note at the dynamic level of forte (loud) followed by an immediate decrease in volume to piano (soft).
  • calmo [Italian] Calm.
  • sinfonietta [Italian] An orchestral work of smaller proportions than a full symphony.
  • tasto solo [Italian] Literally, “key only”. A directive indicating that a note is to be performed without harmony, especially used in compositions that use continuo.
  • libero [Italian] Literally, “free”. A directive to perform in a free, unrestrained style.
  • polka A lively ballroom dance of Bohemian origin in duple meter greatly, popular in the 19th century. Also a short, lyric piano composition.
  • pomposo [Italian] Pompous, stately, or ceremonious.
  • treble The highest part of a polyphonic composition.
  • program music Music intended to evoke extra-musical ideas, images in the mind of the listener by musically representing a scene, image or mood. By contrast, absolute music stands for itself and is intended to be appreciated without any particular reference to the outside world.
  • parallel keys Two keys, one major and one minor, having the same tonic.
  • toujours [French] Always.
  • zu [German] “Too” (excessively).
  • presto [Italian] Fast tempo marking, usually around 168–192 BPM.