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

  • 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.
  • vivacissimo [Italian] A fast tempo, faster than vivace.
  • pas [French] “Not”.
  • affannato [Italian] Anguished.
  • vivacissimamente [Italian] A directive to perform in a very lively or brisk manner.
  • virtuoso [Italian] Performer of extraordinary technical ability.
  • staggered breathing A technique used in musical ensembles by wind instruments to create the effect of a continuous sound with no breaks for performers to breathe. The effect is created by making sure that in each section no performer is breathing at the same time, so that it seems like no one is breathing at all.
  • Kammer [German] Chamber, room.
  • ripresa [Italian] A refrain or repeat.
  • ragtime Late nineteenth century piano style created by African-Americans, characterized by highly syncopated melodies.
  • sprezzatura [Italian] A term used in 17th century Italy describing a free style of performing compositions that ignored strict tempo and rhythm, embracing freedom of tempo and expressiveness.
  • foot joint The last section of a flute, played farthest towards the right.
  • sinfonia [Italian] A term brought into use in the late Renaissance with a variety of specific meanings, generally implying a composition similar to a canzona or a prelude. By the 18th century the term had a similar implication as the term sonata. During the 18th century it came to be used for a three movement composition, until it gradually took on the meaning of our modern term symphony.
  • march A military piece characterized by strongly accented duple meter and clear sectional structures.
  • transposing instrument Those instruments which are notated in one key on paper, yet sound another key when they are performed.