Multilingual Music Glossary
V
- V.S.
See volta subito.
- vago
Vague, indefinite.
- valeur
See duration.
- valore
See duration.
- vals
See waltz.
- valse
See waltz.
- valzer
See waltz.
- vamp Short passage with simple rhythm and harmony that introduces a soloist.
- vamp till ready In 20th century music, an indication to the accompanist to repeat a passage until the soloist is prepared to enter.
- variation An altered version of a rhythm, motive, or theme.
- variazione
See variation.
- varighed
See duration.
- varsovienne
A French dance in 3/4 time with a moderate tempo.
- vaudeville
A variety show with unrelated acts consisting of stand-up comedy, virtuoso instrumental and vocal performance, and song and dance acts.
- vejrtrækningstegn
See breath mark.
- veloce
Fast.
- verismo
A term meaning “realism”, applied to Romantic works (especially operas) of the late 19th century that have to do with unpleasant realities of life.
- verse A single line in a metrical composition, e.g. a poem. However, the word has come to represent any division or grouping of words in such a composition, which traditionally had been referred to as a stanza.
- verse anthem Anglican devotional composition for solo voices with a choral refrain.
- versiering
See ornament.
- verve
A high degree of energy, excitement or spirit. Often referred to as the artistic inspiration and special feeling of excitement that is used by artists to realize the expression of ideas in performance or composition.
- Verzierung
See ornament.
- vibrato
Small fluctuation of pitch and/or volume, used to add expression and vocal-like qualities to instrumental music.
- Viennese waltz See waltz.
- vierenzestigste noot
See sixty-fourth note.
- Viertel
See quarter note.
- Viertelnote
See quarter note.
- Vierundsechzigstel
See sixty-fourth note.
- Vierundsechzigstelnote
See sixty-fourth note.
- vif
A tempo directive meaning “lively”.
- vihjenuotit
See cue-notes.
- villancico
A 15th and 16th century form of Spanish poetry that was often set to music.
- villanella
A Renaissance polyphonic vocal form, usually with a simple tune in the top voice, and somewhat homophonic, regular rhythms in the lower voices.
- villanelle
A French term used in the 16th century for pastoral poems or songs. The term was later revived, and applied to compositions by later composers.
- villereccio
Rustic, rural.
- vingerzetting
See fingering.
- violento
Violent, vehement.
- virelai
A Medieval and Renaissance form of French poetry and song, written in an ABBA form with a courtly text.
- virtuoso
Performer of extraordinary technical ability.
- viste
See vite.
- vite
Fast.
- vivace
A fast tempo marking, usually around 140 BPM.
- vivacissimamente
A directive to perform in a very lively or brisk manner.
- vivacissimo
A fast tempo, faster than vivace.
- vivo
Lively.
- vocal cords The vocal organs in the human being which produce sound.
- vocal folds See vocal cords.
- vocal music music that is written or arranged to be performed by human voices.
- vocal range The range of notes that a singing voice can encompass.
- vocalese A style or genre of jazz singing wherein lyrics are written for melodies that were originally part of an all-instrumental composition or improvisation.
- vocalise
A vocal exercise that is sung without words, typically using different vowel sounds.
- vocalization The singing of vocalises.
- voce
See voice.
- voce di petto
See chest voice.
- voce di testa
See head voice.
- voce piena
“Full voice”.
- voice Either human voice or a melodic layer or part of a polyphonic composition.
- voice leading See part writing.
- voimistuen
See crescendo.
- voix
See voice.
- Vokalise
See vocalise.
- volando
Flying.
- volta
“Time”, as in “first time” (prima volta) or “second time” (seconda volta).
- volta
See volte.
- volta subito
A directive to turn the page quickly.
- volte
A Renaissance dance for couples in triple meter.
- volti
See volta subito.
- volume Degree of loudness or softness of a sound.
- von Anfang
See da capo.
- voorslag
See appoggiatura.
- Vorschlag
See appoggiatura.
- Vorspiel
See prelude.
- Vorzeichen
See key signature.
- voz
See voice.