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

  • fundamental A base pitch from which a series of harmonics is produced.
  • genre Term used to identify a general category of music that shares similar performance forces, formal structures and/or style.
  • mazurka A lively Polish dance in 3/4 or 3/8 time with the accent usually on the second or third beat of the measure.
  • close harmony Harmony written so that the parts are as close together as possible, usually with the upper voices very tight together, and the bass somewhat more distantly spaced.
  • vivacissimamente [Italian] A directive to perform in a very lively or brisk manner.
  • double trill A simultaneous trill on two notes, usually in the distance of a third.
  • harmony Tones sounding simultaneously.
  • bergamasca [Italian] A kind of Renaissance clumsy rustic dance.
  • jarabe [Spanish] Traditional Mexican dance form with multiple sections in contrasting meters and tempos.
  • minuet A 17th-century court dance in moderate triple meter, originating in France.
  • tema [Italian] Theme, subject.
  • vamp till ready In 20th century music, an indication to the accompanist to repeat a passage until the soloist is prepared to enter.
  • salsa [Spanish] A contemporary Latin American dance music principally of Afro-Cuban tradition.
  • ballade [French] A one-movement musical piece with lyrical and dramatic narrative qualities, usually having a text dealing with courtly love.
  • zeloso [Italian] Zealous, keen, earnest.