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

  • recitative A flexible style of vocal delivery employed in opera, oratorio, and cantata and tailored to the accents and rhythms of the text.
  • acoustical instrument Any musical instrument not relying on external power for operation.
  • chanson [French] French polyphonic song of the Middle Ages and Renaissance set to either courtly or popular poetry.
  • obbligato [Italian] Literally, “obligatory”. Important part of a music that that should not be omitted.
  • exposition The first statement of a theme.
  • martellato [Italian] Literally, “hammered”. Strongly marked.
  • bolero [Spanish] A moderately slow Spanish dance in 3/4 time.
  • altissimo [German] Term used to indicate the tones of the second octave above the treble staff (G6 to F7), which are said to be “in altissimo”.
  • lydian The church mode based on F, containing the notes of the C major scale, yet using F as the tonic.
  • punk rock Subgenre of rock popular since the mid 1970s, characterized by loud volume levels, driving rhythms and simple forms typical of earlier rock and roll; often contains shocking lyrics and offensive behavior.
  • mediant The third note of a diatonic scale.
  • affannato [Italian] Anguished.
  • fusion Style that combines jazz improvisation with amplified instruments of rock.
  • solo [Italian] A passage that is to be performed by a single performer.
  • maestoso [Italian] Majestic.