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 2432 terms from 12 languages, including English, Italian, French, German, Spanish, Dutch, Swedish, Finnish, Latin…

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Some random terms

  • drone A harmonic or monophonic effect or accompaniment where a note or chord is continuously sounded throughout much or all of a piece, sustained or repeated.
  • Lied [German] (Plural: Lieder.) Literally, “song”; most commonly associated with the solo art song of the nineteenth century, usually accompanied by piano.
  • retransition In sonata-allegro form, the last part of the development which leads to the tonic of the main key and usually emphasizes it.
  • A440 The standard tuning of the A above middle C at 440 Hz.
  • quintet A piece for five singers or instrumentalists. Also, a group of such musicians.
  • art music Music implying advanced structural and theoretical considerations and a written musical tradition. It is frequently used as a contrasting term to popular music and folk music.
  • interpretation The manner in which a performer carries out a composer's performance directions.
  • enharmonic Two notes, intervals, or scales having different names but equal pitch.
  • ritardando [Italian] Gradually delaying the tempo.
  • tonguing In the performance of wind instruments, the technique of using the tongue to produce certain sounds and effects, and especially the technique in which notes are attacked and articulated.
  • klein [German] Literally, “little”. In reference to intervals, “minor“.
  • connecting note A note held in common by two chords.
  • heptatonic scale Any scale of seven tones.
  • time signature A symbol placed at the left side of the staff indicating the meter of the composition.
  • fanfare A short, lively, loud, militaristic composition, usually composed for brass instruments and percussions.