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

  • exposition The first statement of a theme.
  • acoustical instrument Any musical instrument not relying on external power for operation.
  • grosso [Italian] Large, great, grand.
  • absolute music Music that is not explicitly “about” anything. In contrast with program music, absolute music has no words and no references to stories or images or any other kind of extra-musical idea.
  • spinto [Italian] A term describing a lyric voice, usually that of a soprano or tenor, that can also achieve powerful, dramatic effects. Also, a part written for a voice of such character.
  • form The structure of a composition, the frame upon which it is constructed.
  • music drama Wagner's term for his operas.
  • reggae Jamaican popular music style characterized by offbeat rhythms and chanted vocals over a strong bass part.
  • Schottische [German] A German round dance in duple time.
  • zeloso [Italian] Zealous, keen, earnest.
  • non-imitative counterpoint A musical texture in which independent voices of different character compete for attention.
  • restez [French] A directive to remain on a note.
  • ternary form A three-part musical structure (ABA) based on statement (A), contrast (B) and repetition (A).
  • Hertz [German] The basic unit of measurement of frequency, definable as one cycle per second. Usually abbreviated “Hz”.
  • quarter note A note having the time duration of one fourth of a whole note.