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

  • musical Genre of twentieth century musical theater, especially popular in the United States and Great Britain; characterized by spoken dialogue, dramatic plot interspersed with songs, ensemble numbers and dancing.
  • volume Degree of loudness or softness of a sound.
  • foxtrot Ballroom dance popular in the 19th century.
  • passing note In part writing, A non-harmonic note that appears between two notes in stepwise motion. Usually it is a link between a melodic interval of a third in one of the voices.
  • parody A humorous or satirical composition which exaggerates the features of some other composition.
  • fine [Italian] Literally, “end”. An indication of where a composition ends when there is a repeat.
  • recitativo secco [Italian] Recitative accompanied only by continuo.
  • 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.
  • larynx The upper part of the trachea in the human throat. It is the mechanism that varies the tone of the voice.
  • rhapsody A one-movement work that is episodic yet integrated, free-flowing in structure, featuring a range of highly contrasted moods, colors and tonalities.
  • scherzo [Italian] Literally, “jest“. A composition in ABA form, usually in triple meter. Originally, in the early 17th century, the scherzo was a piece of lively, playful character, with animated rhythm.
  • motet Polyphonic vocal genre, secular in the Middle Ages but sacred or devotional thereafter.
  • mezzo forte [Italian] Moderately loud. Not quite so loud as forte.
  • dispersed harmony Harmony in which the notes which form the various chords are widely dispersed.
  • lesto [Italian] Quick, swift.