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

  • direct motion Similar or parallel motion in which two or more parts rise or fall in the same direction simultaneously.
  • contrary motion Simultaneous motion of two voices, one of which is in opposition to the other, with one voice rising in pitch while the other one falls in pitch.
  • affabilmente [Italian] Easily, gently and agreeably.
  • quarter note A note having the time duration of one fourth of a whole note.
  • finale [Italian] The last movement in a composition of several movements.
  • simile [Italian] “Similar”. Often used to designate the continuation of the use of an articulation without repeating the articulation symbol.
  • post-modern A term adopted around the mid-1970s to describe our current eclectic, experimental age.
  • rastrum [Latin] A pen that has five points (nibs), for use in notating staff lines.
  • rapidamente [Italian] Rapidly.
  • dorian A mode used in Gregorian chant based upon the second tone of the major scale. In the key of C, the Dorian mode would be based on D, and would include D, E, F, G, A, B, C, D.
  • timoroso [Italian] Timorous, fearful; with hesitation.
  • baroque The music of the period circa 1600–1750, directly following the Renaissance and preceding the Classical era. Its style is characterized by rich ornamentation.
  • allegro [Italian] Literally, “cheerful”. A quick tempo marking, usually around 120–168 BPM.
  • arrangement A rewriting of a piece of existing music with additional new material, or a fleshing-out of a compositional sketch. If a musical adaptation does not include new material, it is more accurately termed a transcription or orchestration.
  • variation An altered version of a rhythm, motive, or theme.