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

  • contrary motion Simultaneous motion of two voices, one of which is in opposition to the other, with one voice rising in pitch while the other one falls in pitch.
  • polka A lively ballroom dance of Bohemian origin in duple meter greatly, popular in the 19th century. Also a short, lyric piano composition.
  • tango [Spanish] A dance in 2/4 time from Argentina.
  • Zimmerman numbers The numbering system identifying compositions by Henry Purcell.
  • afflitto [Italian] Sad, melancholy.
  • divertimento [Italian] Instrumental composition intended for entertainment, usually in a number of movements. The term is used particularly in the second half of the 18th century.
  • brioso [Italian] Vivacious, spirited, lively.
  • larynx The upper part of the trachea in the human throat. It is the mechanism that varies the tone of the voice.
  • subject The melody upon which a fugue is based; a melody, motive, or theme. The theme or melody upon which any composition is based.
  • elegy A funeral song; a mournful or plaintive composition.
  • diatonic scale A seven note musical scale, consisting of five whole steps and two half steps.
  • polyharmony Two or more streams of harmony played against each other; common in twentieth century music.
  • trill Ornament consisting of the rapid alternation between one tone and the next above it.
  • à la [French] In the manner of.
  • zeloso [Italian] Zealous, keen, earnest.