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

  • bene [Italian] “Well” or “good”.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Reigenlied [German] Medieval dance form in triple meter, characterized by repeated notes and phrases.
  • allant [French] Going on, lively.
  • con amore [Italian] “With love”, lovingly.
  • ionian In the system of modes, the ionian mode is the one based on C; therefore, it is the modern major scale.
  • volta subito [Italian] A directive to turn the page quickly.
  • bestimmt [German] With decision.
  • style Characteristic manner of presentation of musical elements: melody, rhythm, harmony, dynamics, form, etc.
  • licenza [Italian] A directive to perform a certain passage with some freedom of manner.
  • allegrissimo [Italian] A fast tempo marking, faster than allegro.
  • slur A curved line drawn over or under a series of notes, indicating that those notes should be played legato.
  • 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.
  • dynamics The softness or loudness of a sound or note.