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

  • Kirkpatrick numbers The numbering system identifying compositions by Domenico Scarlatti.
  • erregt [German] “Agitated”.
  • 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.
  • ictus [Latin] The instant when a beat occurs.
  • Stimmung [German] Mood. Also, tuning.
  • refrain [French] A verse which repeats throughout a song or poem at given intervals.
  • fipple The block, typically of wood, that forms the floor of the windway of an edge-blown aerophone.
  • phrygian The mode based upon the third note of the major scale. In the key of C major, phrygian mode would start on the key of E, and include all the notes of the C major scale.
  • bluegrass A form of American country music, inspired by the music of immigrants from the United Kingdom and Ireland as well as jazz and blues. In bluegrass, as in jazz, each instrument takes its turn playing the melody and improvising around it, while the others perform accompaniment.
  • stretto [Italian] A directive to quicken the tempo.
  • quadruplum [Latin] Polyphony having four voices. Also, the highest of these voices.
  • phrase A natural division of the melodic line, comparable to a sentence of speech.
  • direct motion Similar or parallel motion in which two or more parts rise or fall in the same direction simultaneously.
  • retardation A slowing down of the tempo.
  • dramma giocoso [Italian] A kind of comic opera originating around 1750, with sentimental or pathetic plots bordering on tragedy rather than the traditional lighthearted comic plots.