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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Found a word you don't know? No problem. Look it up in the Music Glossary!

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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Please note: a music glossary is just like a dictionary. It contains explanations to musical terms. If you are looking for a piece, please go here instead: search tunes.

Some random terms

  • serioso [Italian] Serious, grave.
  • mais [French] “But”.
  • figured bass A method of indicating an accompaniment part by the bass notes only, together with figures designating the chief chords to be played above the bass notes.
  • trill Ornament consisting of the rapid alternation between one tone and the next above it.
  • affabilità [Italian] Literally, “affability”. A directive to perform with ease and elegance, in a pleasing and agreeable manner.
  • acciaccatura [Italian] A short grace note, typically notated with a slash through the stem or flag, that quickly resolves to the main note.
  • spiritual A style of music invented by Afro-American slaves. Spirituals are generally religious songs with elements of African rhythms, Biblical texts, and American accents. Usually the text is concerned with earthly tribulations and heavenly justice and reward.
  • autograph A manuscript in the composer's own hand.
  • rinforzare [Italian] To reinforce.
  • popular music Music of the common people.
  • early music European music from the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and the Baroque.
  • tune An air or melody, a succession of sounds that has definite character and shape and is pleasing to the ear.
  • ballata [Italian] A type of fourteenth-century italian secular song, similar to the French virelai.
  • strascinando [Italian] Dragging.
  • tardo [Italian] Slow.