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

  • arrangement A rewriting of a piece of existing music with additional new material, or a fleshing-out of a compositional sketch. If a musical adaptation does not include new material, it is more accurately termed a transcription or orchestration.
  • new wave Subgenre of rock popular since the late 1970s, highly influenced by simple 1950s-style rock and roll; developed as a rejection of the complexities of art rock and heavy metal.
  • Reigenlied [German] Medieval dance form in triple meter, characterized by repeated notes and phrases.
  • lieblich [German] Charming, lovely.
  • Lombard rhythm A rhythm associated primarily with baroque music, generally consisting of a stressed sixteenth note followed by a dotted eighth note.
  • baton The stick used by the conductor to define the beat of the music. Also, a light metal rod used for keeping time, twirling and juggling in marching band performances.
  • Zimmerman numbers The numbering system identifying compositions by Henry Purcell.
  • un pochettino [Italian] A little bit.
  • simple interval An interval covering a single octave or less.
  • rhythm and blues An American music style popular between the 1940s and 1960s. Generally played by a lead vocalist or instrumentalist, a rhythm section, and an ensemble of voices, wind instruments, or guitar. Most R&B is vocal, in quadruple time, and in a major key, but characterized by blue notes.
  • double exposition In a concerto, a twofold statement of the theme, once by the orchestra and once by the soloist.
  • non-transposing instrument An instrument which is notated in the same key on paper that it sounds when played.
  • metronome Device used to indicate the tempo by sounding regular beats at adjustable speeds.
  • threnody A poem, a song, or an instrumental composition that expresses lament for the dead.
  • affabilità [Italian] Literally, “affability”. A directive to perform with ease and elegance, in a pleasing and agreeable manner.