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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Some random terms

  • vivacissimamente [Italian] A directive to perform in a very lively or brisk manner.
  • opéra comique [French] French comic opera that is not necessarily sung throughout.
  • canticle A sacred hymn or song.
  • quadrille [French] An early 19th century ballroom dance for four or more couples.
  • jig A vigorous dance originating in the British Isles in the 15th century or earlier, usually in compound meter.
  • toujours [French] Always.
  • toccata [Italian] Virtuoso composition, generally for organ or harpsichord, in a free and rhapsodic style; in the Baroque, it often served as the introduction to a fugue.
  • lesto [Italian] Quick, swift.
  • alterezza [Italian] Pride or haughtiness.
  • species counterpoint A technique of strict counterpoint involving the addition of voices to a melody advancing from simple to more complex harmonies.
  • stentando [Italian] Literally, “having difficulty”. A directive to perform in an ungraceful, heavy manner, holding back each note.
  • eight note A note having the time duration of one eighth of a whole note.
  • dal niente [Italian] Literally, “from nothing”. Out of silence.
  • gallant style A clear, elegant, uncomplicated style that arose in contrast to the more complex style of Baroque counterpoint.
  • Übung [German] Exercise.