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

  • 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.
  • Leitmotiv [German] A term adopted by Wagner's disciples to designate the “leading motives” in his operas.
  • key signature The sharps or flats appearing at the beginning of each staff indicating the key of the music.
  • impromptu [French] A single-movement piano composition of the Romantic era, usually short, with a spontaneous character.
  • legatissimo [Italian] Very legato, extremely smooth and connected.
  • militare [Italian] Military.
  • sospirando [Italian] Sighing.
  • melody Succession of single tones or pitches perceived by the mind as a unity.
  • opéra comique [French] French comic opera that is not necessarily sung throughout.
  • Feldmusik [German] Music performed outdoors on wind instruments.
  • saltando [Italian] Proceeding in leaps or skips.
  • A440 The standard tuning of the A above middle C at 440 Hz.
  • estinto [Italian] Literally, “extinguished”. A directive to perform as soft as possible.
  • Cecilia [Italian] Saint honored as the patroness of music.
  • tarantella [Italian] A fast Italian dance in 6/8 time, characterized by alternations between major and minor tonalities and a quickening of tempo throughout the composition.