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

  • diatonic scale A seven note musical scale, consisting of five whole steps and two half steps.
  • grand staff A combination of two staves with a brace, usually used for piano music.
  • canzone [Italian] Literally, “song”. An Italian or Provençal song or ballad. It is also used to describe a type of lyric which resembles a madrigal. Sometimes a composition which is simple and songlike is designated as a canzone, especially if it is by a non-Italian.
  • grunge rock Contemporary Seattle-based rock style characterized by harsh guitar chords; hybrid of punk rock and heavy metal.
  • ostinato [Italian] Literally, “obstinate”. A short melodic, rhythmic, or harmonic pattern that is repeated throughout a composition.
  • choir A group of singers who perform together, usually in parts, with several on each part.
  • sereno [Italian] Serene, calm.
  • con [Italian] “With”.
  • disjunct A melodic line that moves by leaps and skips rather than in steps.
  • divertissment [French] A light, entertaining dance and music combination related to the divertimento.
  • mute A mechanical device used with string and brass instruments to muffle the tone.
  • lament A song of mourning the dead or of leave-taking. The funeral lament is one of the most common, dating back to antiquity.
  • reduction A simplified arrangement of a composition.
  • gavotte [French] Duple meter baroque dance of a pastoral character.
  • polonaise [French] Stately Polish processional dance in triple meter.