Essential Dictionary of Music

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augmented sixth chord

A chord that includes the interval of an augmented sixth, that resolves outward to an octave

French horn

A circular-shaped brass instrument with a conical bore and a mellow tone

fake book

A collection of popular songs where only the melody lines, lyrics and chord symbols are given

aria buffa (It.)

A comic aria

monothematic

A composition based on one theme

toccata (It.)

A composition for keyboard instruments in free form that contains runs and arpeggios. Literally means "touch"

concerto (It.)

A composition for orchestra and soloist

voluntary

A composition for organ usually played before or after a church service, or as an Offertory piece. Sometimes a voluntary is improvised

song

A composition for voice with text or lyrics

oratorio (It.)

A composition for voices and instrumental accompaniment, usually with a sacred text

march

A composition in duple or quadruple meter, which is used for marching

quodlibet (Lat.)

A composition that uses well-known tunes played either successively or simultaneously

polychoral style

A composition where the ensemble, vocal or instrumental, is divided into separate groups that play individually as well as together

theme and variations

A compositional form where a theme is clearly stated, followed by a number of variations. Sometimes the theme is played after the variations

triple concerto

A concerto for orchestra and three soloists

double concerto

A concerto for orchestra and two solo instruments

passacaglia (It.)

A continuous set of variations based on a repeating bass line. Similar to a chaconne

fugue

A contrapuntal procedure in two or more parts that is based on a subject which is stated successively in each part. Elements found in fugues are the subject, answer, countersubject, stretto, and episode

cornetto

A cornet or cornett

slur

A curved line notated above two or more notes that indicates they are to be played legato

tie

A curved line that joins two or more notes of the same pitch that last the duration of combined note values

drumstick

A cylindrical wooden stick that is used to strike a drum

steel

A cylindrical, solid steel device, similar to a slide, used to play steel guitar and pedal steel guitar

waltz

A dance in 3/4 time that originated in the late 18th century

ballet (Fr.)

A dance set to music that depicts a story

square dance

A dance where several couples form a square

mute

A device added to an instrument to soften or muffle its tone

valve

A device on a brass instrument that allows that instrument to play chromatic notes by increasing or decreasing the length of the tubing

whammy bar

A device on a guitar that alters the pitches of the strings by moving the bridge

pitch bend

A device on a synthesizer that allows the pitch of a note to be bent

arpeggiator

A device on a synthesizer that automatically plays chords as an arpeggio

wah-wah pedal

A device operated by the foot of an electric guitarist or bassist, that alters the sound of their instrument by giving it a "wah" or "crying baby" sound. It removes low frequencies and accentuates high frequencies when completely depressed

attenuator

A device that adjusts the amplitude of a signal in synthesis

sampler

A device that creates a sample

wind machine

A device that simulates the sound of the wind

compressor

A device used for compression

pick

A device used to pluck or strum the strings of a stringed instrument such as a guitar, bass guitar or mandolin. It is sometimes called a plectrum

amplifier

A device used to strengthen the power of the sound of an electronic instrument

filter

A device, in synthesis, that suppresses or emphasizes certain audio frequencies

Pythagorean scale

A diatonic scale with all tones derived from the interval of a pure fifth

sample, sampling

A digital recording of a sound that is used in synthesis

secondary dominant

A dominant chord built on the fifth above any chord other than the tonic

racket

A double-reed wind instrument used during the Renaissance. A forerunner of the bassoon

sarrusophone

A double-reed woodwind instrument made of brass

oboe

A double-reed woodwind instrument that is the highest member of the oboe family

pantomime

A dramatic play with musical accompaniment in which the actors do not speak or sing

Trommel (Ger.)

A drum

caisse (Fr.)

A drum

flam

A drum rudiment consisting of a short grace note played before the main note

drag

A drum rudiment consisting of two short grace notes played before the main note

ruff

A drum rudiment that consists of a note preceded by two grace notes

paradiddle

A drum rudiment where strokes are alternated as follows

mallet

A drumstick with a large tip that is either hard (wood, plastic or metal) or soft (felt)

viol

A family of bowed string instruments developed during the Renaissance. They appear similar to instruments of the violin family but have frets, a flat back and normally have six strings. The most common sizes are treble, tenor and bass

oboe family

A family of double-reed instruments that includes the oboe, English horn, heckelphone, bassoon and contrabassoon

violin family

A family of four-stringed, bowed instruments that includes the violin, viola, cello and double bass

Charleston

A fast American dance popular in the 1920s

polka

A fast Bohemian dance in duple time that originated around 1830

kujawiak (Pol.)

A fast Polish dance in triple meter

jota (Sp.)

A fast Spanish dance in triple meter

joropo (Sp.)

A fast Venezuelan dance and song in 3/4 time

patter song

A fast, humorous song

touch sensitivity

A feature on some synthesizers that measures how hard or soft a key is depressed

pressure sensitivity

A feature on some synthesizers where sounds can be controlled by the amount of pressure placed on a key

mezzo soprano (It.)

A female voice with a range between a soprano and an alto

fretboard

A fingerboard with frets

Neapolitan sixth

A first inversion chord built on the lowered second degree of a scale. A Neapolitan sixth chord in the key of C is F, A-flat, D-flat

ternary form

A form consisting of three sections: The first section is followed by a contrasting section and then by an exact or nearly-exact repeat of the first section (ABA). Sometimes called a song form

sonata form

A form used for the first movements of sonatas, symphonies, chamber works and other pieces. It consists of three main sections: exposition, development and recapitulation

barbershop quartet

A four-part male vocal quartet that was popular in America at the beginning of the 20th century

harmonium

A free-reed organ in which the air is supplied by bellows which are operated by pedals

rhapsody

A free-style composition usually in one movement, often based on folk melodies

viola d'amore (It.)

A fretless treble viol with seven bowed strings and seven sympathetic strings. Composers into the 20th century have written for this instrument. Literally means "viol of love"

arpeggione (It.)

A fretted instrument similar to a guitar that is played with a bow

bass guitar

A fretted instrument with four, five or six strings tuned an octave lower than the guitar

banjo

A fretted stringed instrument with a long neck like a guitar and a circular body in the shape of a small drum covered with parchment. It is available with either four or five strings

double fugue

A fugue with two subjects

miniature score

A full score that is reduced in size so as to be inexpensive and convenient for study purposes. Also known as a study score

acciaccatura (It.)

A grace note which is played simultaneously with the principal note and immediately released

trombone

A group of brass instruments with a long u-shaped slide used instead of valves. The different types include, from highest to lowest, the alto trombone, tenor trombone (most common) and the bass trombone

choir

A group of church singers, or singers of sacred music

cycle

A group of complete pieces or songs that are to be performed together

Roman school

A group of composers of liturgical music that centered around Rome in the 16th century

drum kit, drumset

A group of drums, cymbals and other percussion instruments positioned so that one person can easily play them

Five, the Russian

A group of five Russian composers who in the late 19th century, wrote in a nationalistic style. They were Balakirev, Borodin, Cui, Mussorgsky and Rimsky-Korsakov

patch bay

A group of input and output sockets into which patch cords are plugged to route signals for recording

Mannheim school

A group of late 18th-century composers based in Mannheim, Germany who helped develop orchestration and the form of the classical symphony

period

A group of measures that complete a musical thought, usually consisting of two or more contrasting phrases and a cadence

trumpet

A group of oval-shaped brass instruments. The different types include, from highest to lowest, the B-flat piccolo trumpet, A piccolo trumpet, E-flat trumpet, D trumpet, C trumpet, B-flat trumpet and bass trumpet

song cycle

A group of related songs

clarinet

A group of single-reed instruments which are made from wood or plastic. The different types include, from highest to lowest, the E-flat clarinet, B-flat clarinet (most common), A clarinet, E-flat alto clarinet, B-flat bass clarinet, E-flat contra-alto clarinet, B-flat contrabass clarinet

saxophone

A group of single-reed woodwind instruments, made of brass, invented by Adolphe Sax. The different types include, from highest to lowest, the E-flat sopranino, B-flat soprano, E-flat alto, B-flat tenor, E-flat baritone, and B-flat bass

hexachord

A group of six notes

sleigh bells

A group of small metal bells attached to a leather strap, or a frame made of wood or steel, that is shaken

dyad

A group of two tones

flute

A group of woodwind instruments made of a hollow wood or metal tube that is closed at one end. Sound is created by blowing into a hole near the closed end. The different types include, from highest to lowest, the piccolo, flute, G alto flute, bass flute

pick scrape

A guitar technique of sliding a pick sideways down a wound string (usually the lower four)

electric guitar

A guitar that is electronically amplified with a pickup

seven-string guitar

A guitar with an added high A string

twelve-string guitar

A guitar with twelve strings that are tuned in pairs. The lower four pairs are tuned in octaves, and the top two are tuned at the unison

minim

A half note

minim rest

A half rest

m'bira (Ban.)

A hand held African instrument consisting of thin metal or cane tongues which are plucked by the thumbs. Sometimes called a thumb piano

natural harmonic

A harmonic produced on an open string of a stringed instrument. Also called an open harmonic

cacophany

A harsh discordant sound. Dissonance

growl

A harsh sound played on a wind instrument that imitates the growl of an animal

shawm

A high-pitched medieval double-reed woodwind instrument. A forerunner of the oboe

funk

A highly-amplified style of rhythm & blues

fermata (It.)

A hold or pause sign that indicates a note should be held longer than its normal duration

flag

A hook that, when placed on the stem of a note, indicates an eighth note. Two flags indicate a sixteenth note. Three flags indicate a thirty-second note, etc.

natural horn

A horn without valves

posthorn

A horn without valves that was originally used to announce post coaches

Waldhorn (Ger.)

A hunting horn, a horn without valves

Te Deum (Lat.)

A hymn of praise. Literally "we praise thee, O God"

processional

A hymn sung in church as the clergy enter

recessional

A hymn sung in church as the clergy leave after a service

big band

A jazz band usually made up of groups of woodwind, brass, percussion and sometimes stringed instruments that played music for dancing. They were most popular from the 1920s through the 1940s

boogie woogie

A jazz piano style popular in the United States during the 1920s and 1930s characterized by a steady rhythmic ostinato bass in the left hand

carol

A joyous song of praise, usually sung at Christmas time

Taste (Ger.)

A key on a keyboard instrument

clavier

A keyboard

harpsichord

A keyboard instrument similar to the piano, but strings are plucked by a quill rather than struck by a hammer

split keyboard

A keyboard of a synthesizer that can be divided into two parts with different sounds produced from each

pedal board

A keyboard played with the feet

Boehm system

A keying system for woodwind instruments invented by Theobald Boehm that allows both ease of playing and correct acoustical position of the holes

blues

A kind of American music derived from spirituals and work songs characterized by blue notes and a form that is usually 12 bars long

Autoharp

A kind of zither that is strummed and has buttons that allows chords to change by depressing them

alphorn

A large Alpine horn from Switzerland which is made is wood and can vary in length anywhere from 7-12 feet

cimbalom

A large Hungarian dulcimer

orchestra

A large group of instrumentalists usually consisting of stringed, woodwind, brass and percussion instruments

musical saw

A large handsaw that is played with a violin bow and bent to change pitch

theorbo

A large lute used during the Renaissance

positive organ

A large portable organ of the Middle Ages that required an assistant to work the bellows

impressionism

A late 19th- through early 20th-century French style of composition where subtle impressions are evoked by using colorful instrumentation and unusual harmonies

minimalism

A late 20th century compositional style characterized by short melodic and rhythmic figures, a steady pulsing beat and a large amount of repetition with variations that are barely perceptible. Also called process music

New Age

A late 20th-century musical style characterized by repetition, simple harmonies, little structure and soft gentle sounds

Singspiel (Ger.)

A light 18th-century German opera that has spoken interludes

divertimento (It.)

A light instrumental piece with multiple movements

soubrette (Fr.)

A light, comic, operatic soprano

humoresque (Fr.)

A light, humorous instrumental piece

stem

A line that extends vertically from a note head

un peu (Fr.)

A little

un poco (It.)

A little

hornpipe

A lively English dance popular from the 16th to 19th centuries

rigadoon, rigaudon (Eng., Fr.)

A lively French dance usually in 4/4 time

trepak

A lively Russian dance in 2/4 time

strathspey

A lively Scottish dance in quadruple meter with many dotted notes and a frequent use of the Scotch snap

fandango (Sp.)

A lively Spanish dance in triple meter

reel

A lively dance in 4/4 or 6/4, for two or more couples, that originated in Scotland and Ireland

allegretto (It.)

A lively, quick tempo that is slightly slower than allegro

beguine

A lively, syncopated Latin-American dance

drone

A long sustained note

pedal point

A long, sustained note, usually in the bass, that is held while harmonies change in the other parts

sitar

A long-necked Indian lute with 18 movable frets and two sets of strings. The upper set has three to seven strings which are used for melody and a drone accompaniment. The lower set consists of nine to thirteen sympathetic strings

honky-tonk

A loud, tinny style of ragtime piano playing from the early 20th century

berceuse (Fr.)

A lullaby

augmented triad

A major triad with the fifth raised a half step. The C augmented triad is C, E and G#

luthier (Ger.)

A maker of stringed instruments including guitars, lutes and violins. Literally means "lute maker"

direct

A marking given at the end of a staff or page that gives warning of the next note

bar

A measure

player piano

A mechanical piano that plays back music that has been recorded onto a paper roll or, more recently, magnetic tapes or computer disks

lira (It.)

A medieval bowed stringed instrument

rebec

A medieval bowed stringed instrument, shaped like a pear, with one to five strings

isorhythm

A medieval compositional technique that uses a repeated rhythmic pattern (called a talea) and a repeated pitch pattern (called a color) which do not necessarily coincide. An isorhythm was usually the tenor part of a motet

tabor

A medieval drum played with one hand while the other hand plays an end-blown pipe

ballata (It.)

A medieval polyphonic Italian song

hocket

A medieval polyphonic device where one voice will stop and another will come in, usually for only one note or a short phrase, creating a "hiccuping" effect

tromba marina (It.)

A medieval stringed instrument with one bowed string stretched over a long wooden box that produces natural harmonics. Literally translated "marine trumpet"

timbrel

A medieval tambourine

cornett

A medieval wind instrument made of wood or ivory that has holes like a woodwind instrument and a cup-shaped mouthpiece like a brass instrument

oboe d'amore (It.)

A mellow-sounding double-reed instrument pitched a minor third below an oboe

refrain

A melody of a song that is repeated after each stanza (or verse)

retrograde

A melody performed backwards

subject

A melody that forms the construction of a composition

hook

A memorable phrase of a song repeated several times in order to intrigue or "hook" the listener

cowbell

A metal bell, similar in shape to a bell which is hung around a cow's neck, but without a clapper and struck with a drumstick

species

A method of teaching counterpoint using five different processes: (1st) note against note, (2nd) two notes against one, (3rd) four notes against one, (4th) syncopated notes and (5th) a combination of the other species along with the use of shorter note values

falsetto (It.)

A method used by male singers to extend their vocal range above the normal range

Aeolian

A mode that correspond to the half- and whole-step patterns created when playing A to A on the white keys of the piano. It is the same as the natural minor scale

Locrian

A mode that corresponds to the half- and whole-step patterns created when playing B to B on the white keys of the piano

Lydian

A mode that corresponds to the half- and whole-step patterns created when playing F to F on the white keys of the piano

Ionian

A mode that corresponds to the whole- and half-step patterns created when playing C to C on the white keys of the piano. It is the same as the major scale

Dorian

A mode that corresponds to the whole- and half-step patterns created when playing D to D on the white keys of the piano

Phyrgian

A mode that corresponds to the whole- and half-step patterns created when playing E to E on the white keys of the piano

Mixolydian

A mode that corresponds to the whole- and half-step patterns created when playing G to G on the white keys of the piano

Authentic mode

A mode whose key note is the lowest note. As opposed to a plagal mode, whose keynote is a fourth higher than the lowest note

plagal mode

A mode whose keynote is a fourth higher than the lowest note

andante (It.)

A moderate, graceful tempo, slower than allegretto and faster than adagio

double reed

A mouthpiece that consists of two thin pieces of cane that vibrate against each other when air is blown through. Double reeds are used on wind instruments such as the oboe, English horn, heckelphone, bassoon and contrabassoon

C clef

A movable clef that indicates the placement of middle C on the staff

sonata (It.)

A multi-movement composition for solo instrument, occasionally with piano accompaniment

cantata (It.)

A multi-movement vocal work for chorus and/or soloists with orchestral accompaniment that is performed without staging

Pult (Ger.)

A music stand

desk

A music stand shared by two stringed instrument players

piece

A musical composition

da capo aria (It.)

An opera aria in three sections, with the third being a repetition of the first

comic opera

An opera with comical elements and a happy ending

rondo (It.)

A musical form characterized by a repeated theme that alternates with other themes. With "A" representing the reoccurring theme, the following are examples of rondo forms: ABA, ABABA, ABACA and ABACABA

binary form

A musical form where one section is followed by a contrasting section: AB

prélude (Fr.)

A musical introduction

inverted mordent

A musical ornament consisting of the alternation of the written note with the one immediately above it

mordent (Ger.)

A musical ornament consisting of the alternation of the written note with the one immediately below it

Passion

A musical setting of the suffering and death of Christ

bluegrass

A musical style from the American south characterized by quick tempos and elaborate vocals. It usually features fiddle, banjo, mandolin, guitar and bass

handbell

A musically tuned bell with a handle usually made of leather or plastic. It has a clapper which travels in one plane and is controlled by springs to prevent the clapper from resting against the bell when struck. The bell is used most often in group ringing by a handbell ringer who is part of a handbell choir

harmonic minor

A natural minor scale with a raised seventh providing a leading tone

melodic minor

A natural minor scale with the sixth and seventh degrees raised while ascending, and the sixth and seventh degrees lowered while descending

acoustic

A non-amplified or non-electric instrument

passing tones

A non-chordal tone that is melodically placed between two chord tones and usually occurs on a weak beat. When on a strong beat, it is an accented passing tone

canticle

A non-metric hymn used in a church service

appoggiatura (It.)

A nonharmonic grace note that resolves stepwise to a harmonic note

neighboring tone

A nonharmonic tone one scale step above or below another tone that returns to the first tone

auxiliary notes

A note a whole step above or below the main note

whole note

A note equal to the length of two half notes

quarter note

A note half the length of a half note

eighth note

A note half the length of a quarter note

thirty-second note

A note half the length of a sixteenth note

sixteenth note

A note half the length of an eighth note

half note

A note one half the length of a whole note

common tone

A note that is the same in two consecutive chords

opus (Lat.)

A number given to chronologically order the works of a composer. Literally means "work"

hi-hat cymbals

A pair of horizontally mounted cymbals on a stand which are struck together by means of a foot pedal. Usually part of a drum kit

tabla

A pair of turnable, wooden Indian drums that are played with the hands

fugato (It.)

A passage in the style of a fugue

Luftpause (Ger.)

A pause to breathe

sustain pedal

A pedal on a piano that allows the strings to vibrate by lifting the dampers

vibraslap

A percussion instrument consisting of a metal handle with a wooden ball attached to one end and a wooden box filled with rivets on the other. When the wooden ball is struck with the hand, it produces a rattling sound

washboard

A percussion instrument consisting of a metal laundry board that is played by scraping it with a stick or metal thimbles placed on the fingers

guiro

A percussion instrument consisting of a notched gourd which is "scraped" by a stick

rattle

A percussion instrument consisting of a notched wooden cogwheel that is rotated against a flexible strip of metal or wood

xylophone

A percussion instrument consisting of a set of tuned wooden bars, arranged horizontally as on a piano keyboard, which are struck with hard or soft mallets. Some have tubular resonators below the bars

flexatone

A percussion instrument consisting of a thin triangular piece of steel and two wooden nobs attached to springs. When shaken, the wooden nobs strike the thin steel creating a sound similar to a musical saw

wind chimes

A percussion instrument consisting of several hollow wood, bamboo or metal cylinders which are suspended from a frame and are sounded by striking or blowing wind

celesta (It.)

A percussion instrument consisting of steel bars which are struck by hammers that are controlled by a keyboard

triangle

A percussion instrument made from a steel rod bent into a triangular shape that is struck with a metal beater

glockenspiel (Ger.)

A percussion instrument made up of tuned metal bars that are arranged like a keyboard and played with mallets

mark tree

A percussion instrument similar to wind chimes but larger and usually made of brass tubes

virtuoso

A performer with superb technical ability

composer

A person who writes music

grand opera

An opera, usually in five acts, that treats a heroic, historic or mythological subject in a grand style

grand piano

A piano with its frame, strings and soundboard arranged horizontally

ottavino (It.)

A piccolo

humbucking pickup

A pickup on electric guitars and basses that eliminates noise and hum

concertante (It.)

A piece for two or more soloists with orchestral accompaniment

impromptu (Fr.)

A piece in a free form that sounds like an improvisation

elegy

A piece in a melancholy mood usually written in honor of someone's death

symphonic poem

An orchestral composition based on an extramusical idea

manual

An organ keyboard

calliope

A pipe organ that blows steam through the pipes, rather than air

discothèque (Fr.)

A place where people gather to dance

badinage, badinerie (Fr.)

A playful dance usually found in a suite

lute

A plucked stringed instrument similar to a guitar, but with a bowl-shaped back, and an angled peghead

jig

A popular 16th-century dance usually in 6/8 time

samba

A popular Brazilian folk dance in 2/4 meter

fado (Port.)

A popular Portuguese song and dance

gato

A popular country dance of Argentina in 3/4 or 6/8

back beat

A popular style of drumming where the second and fourth beats of a measure are emphasized

bell-lyra

A portable glockenspiel

hurdy-gurdy

A portable medieval stringed instrument with six strings and a range of two octaves. It is played by cranking a handle that is connected to a resin-coated wheel that vibrates the strings, and notes are changed by use of a keyboard

accordion

A portable musical instrument where a keyboard and buttons control air which is drawn and pushed by bellows across reeds that vibrate to produce a sound

entrada (Sp.)

A prelude or introduction

presets

A preprogrammed sound, or patch, on a synthesizer

minstrel

A professional musician of the Middle Ages

concert

A public performance of music

sine wave

A pure, simple waveform common in synthesis

furiant

A quick Bohemian dance with frequently changing rhythms and accents

farandola, farandole (It., Fr.)

A quick circle-dance

quickstep

A quick march at about 108 steps per minute

galop

A quick round dance of the mid-19th century in 2/4 time

vibrato (It.)

A rapid fluctuation of pitch slightly higher or lower than the main pitch

run

A rapid scale passage

secco recitative (It.)

A recitative with no expression

Blockflöte (Ger.)

A recorder

end-blown flute

A recorder. A flute that is played vertically

clavichord

A rectangular keyboard instrument used from the 15th to 18th centuries whose strings, rather than being plucked like a harpsichord, are struck by a metal wedge called a tangent

leitmotif, Leitmotiv (Ger.)

A recurring musical theme or motive associated with a specific character

shuffle

A repetitive rhythmic style consisting of dotted eighth and sixteenth notes played in succession (often swing time) with an emphasis on the second and fourth beats in 4/4 time

soundboard

A resonant piece of wood placed behind strings of various instruments in order to amplify the sound

whole rest

A rest equal to the length of two half rests

grand pause

A rest for all performers in an ensemble. Abbreviated G.P. and sometimes referred to as a general pause

quarter rest

A rest half the length of a half rest

eighth rest

A rest half the length of a quarter rest

thirty-second rest

A rest half the length of a sixteenth rest

sixteenth rest

A rest half the length of an eighth rest

half rest

A rest one half the length of a whole rest

neoromanticism

A revival in the middle to late 20th century of forms, harmonies and ideas of the music of the 19th-century romantic period

nocturne (Fr., Eng.)

A romantic piece in a melancholy mood, usually for piano

Schottische (Ger.)

A round dance in 2/4 time, similar to a slow polka

chromatic scale

A scale composed of all twelve half steps of an octave

pentatonic scale

A scale having five tones to the octave. It usually avoids any half steps and corresponds to the notes played on the black keys on the piano

natural minor

A scale made up of one whole step, one half step, two whole steps, one half step and two whole steps, in that order

major scale

A scale made up of two whole steps, one half step, three whole steps and one half step, in that order

whole-tone scale

A scale made up only of whole tones

trill

An ornament consisting of the rapid alternation of the written note and the diatonic second above it. A flat or sharp sign after the trill symbol indicates to trill to the flatted or sharped note above the written note. Abbreviated tr

turn

An ornament usually consisting of four or five notes that embellish a main notes

rosette

An ornate pattern around the sound hole of a guitar

concert overture

An overture written as an independent composition, not as an introduction to a larger work. Frequently used to open a concert

part song

An unaccompanied homophonic choral composition for three or more voices

perfect interval

An unaltered interval of the unison, fourth, fifth or octave

e (It.)

And

Gehend (Ger.)

Andante

bewegt

Animated

animato, animoso (It.)

Animated, spirited

altra, altro (It.)

Another

ensemble (Fr.)

Any group of musicians performing together

Venetian school

A school of 16th-century Flemish and Italian composers who worked in Venice. Their innovations include an increased use of new chromaticism, the polychoral style and the introduction of new instruments to ensembles. Notable composers included Adrian Willaert, Andrea and Giovanni Gabrielli, Michael Praetorius and Heinrich Schütz

Neapolitan school

A school of composers in the 18th century that originated in Naples

conservatory

A school specializing in music

lead sheet

A score to a song including only the melody line, chords and lyrics

vocal score

A score to an opera arranged for piano and voices

full score

A score where every instrumental and/or vocal part appears on its own staff

Nebenstimme (Ger.)

A secondary part. As opposed to Hauptstimme

introduction

A section at the beginning of a piece or movement that is preparatory. It is usually in a slow tempo

passage

A section of a composition

strain

A section of a musical composition

Lacrimosa (Lat.)

A section of the Requiem mass

harmonic series

A series of notes (overtones) that vibrate above a fundamental note

opera seria (It.)

A serious opera

carillon (Fr.)

A set of bells played from a keyboard

chimes

A set of tuned metal tubes which are struck by a hammer

sestet, sestetto (It.)

A sextet

antiphon

A short chant sung before and after a psalm or canticle during the Roman Catholic Mass

codetta (It.)

A short coda

invention

A short contrapuntal composition usually for keyboard

fughetta (It.)

A short fugue

character piece

A short instrumental composition that expresses a mood or story

canzonet, canzonetta (It.)

A short instrumental or vocal piece

motif, motive (Fr., Eng.)

A short melodic or rhythmic figure that recurs throughout a composition

operetta (It.)

A short opera in a light, popular style

Albumblatt (Ger.)

A short piece usually for piano

riff

A short repeated melodic pattern

sonatina (It.)

A short sonata

exercise

A short technical study

round

A short vocal canon at the unison that can be repeated indefinitely

romance, romanza (Eng., It.)

A short, lyrical, instrumental or vocal composition in a romantic or sentimental mood

time signature

A sign placed after the clef and key signature at the beginning of a piece that indicates the meter of the piece. It can be placed anywhere else throughout the piece if the meter changes

chorister

A singer in a choir

monophonic, monophony

A single melodic line without any additional parts or accompaniment. As opposed to polyphony

single reed

A single piece of cane that is attached to a mouthpiece by a ligature and creates a sound by vibrating when air is forced through. They are used on clarinets and saxophones

semiquaver

A sixteenth note

leap

A skip

pavane (Fr.)

A slow 16th-century Italian court dance usually in 4/4 or 4/2 meter

Ländler (Ger.)

A slow Austrian waltz popular in the early 19th century

adagio (It.)

A slow tempo which is faster than largo and slower than andante

saraband

A slow, stately dance of the 17th and 18th centuries in triple meter with an emphasis on the second beat. In the 16th century, it was a lively, sensuous dance. Sometimes spelled sarabanda (It.), sarabande (Fr., Ger.) or zarabanda (Sp.)

flageolet

A small 16th-century end-blown wind instrument similar to a recorder

virginal

A small 16th-century harpsichord

snare drum

A small cylindrical drum with a metal frame and two drum heads: the upper head is struck with drumsticks or brushes, and the bottom head has several strings (or snares) stretched across it. The snares can be removed to create the sound of a tenor drum

fife

A small flute with six to eight holes

harmonica

A small free reed instrument with two sets of reeds: half of them fixed to play with an exhale, and the other half with an inhale allowing different pitches for each set. They are available as either diatonic or chromatic

concertina (It.)

A small instrument similar to an accordion but has a hexagonal shape and uses buttons rather than a keyboard

jew's harp

A small metal-framed instrument that holds a small metal strip. The frame is held between the teeth and the metal strip is plucked

grace note

A small note played quickly before the beat. Not to be confused with an appoggiatura

chamber orchestra

A small orchestra

soundpost

A small piece of wood affixed inside a stringed instrument that helps distribute vibrations

Tonette

A small plastic end-blown flute with seven finger holes and one thumb hole

portative organ

A small portable organ of the Middle Ages

regal

A small portable organ used from the 15th to 17th centuries

sinfonietta (It.)

A small symphony, usually for a chamber orchestra

kazoo

A small tubular instrument with a vibrating membrane at one end which is by humming into it

pitch pipe

A small wind instrument with one or more pipes with fixed pitch used as a reference to set the pitch for a choir, or tune instruments

whistle

A small, end-blown pipe made a cane, metal, plastic or wood

ukulele

A small, fretted four-stringed Hawaiian instrument, similar to a guitar—tuned to GCEA

tambourine

A small, hand-held drum with jingles that is held in one hand and struck by the other

tin whistle

A small, high-pitched end-blown flute made of metal

bend

A smooth change in pitch similar to a portamento or glissando used on guitar, harmonica and synthesizer, among other instruments

side drum

A snare drum

tenor drum

A snareless drum, midway in size between a snare drum and a bass drum

port

A socket or plug on an electronic instrument, computer or other device in synthesis

bisbigliando (It.)

A soft tremolo effect on the harp. Literally means "whispering"

aria (It.)

A solo vocal piece usually associated with operas and oratorios

canzona, canzone (It.)

A song

strophic

A song in which each verse uses the same melody

doxology (Gr.)

A song of praise and glory to God. In the Protestant church, it refers specifically to the hymn "Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow"

standard

A song that remains popular through many generations

air

A song, melody, or tune

passepied (Fr.)

A spirited French dance in a fast triple meter

galliard

A spirited dance from the 15th century in triple meter

sautillé (Fr.)

A staccato bowing style where the bow bounces off the string

General MIDI

A standardized organization of drum and instrumental sounds for MIDI instruments. Abbreviated GM

polonaise (Fr.)

A stately Polish dance in a moderate triple meter

vielle (Fr.)

A stringed instrument of the 13th to 15th centuries with one drone string and four fingered strings

mandolin

A stringed instrument similar to a lute with eight strings tuned in pairs

aeolian harp

A stringed instrument that sounds when struck by a blowing wind

viola da braccio (It.)

A stringed instrument which is played on the arm, like a violin or viola. Literally means "viol for the arm"

guitar

A stringed instrument with six strings, a flat back, curved sides and a long narrow fretted neck. The strings are either plucked with the fingers, picked with a pick or strummed

étude (Fr.)

A study. A piece that emphasizes a specific technique

calypso

A style of ballad from Trinidad that was popular in the United States during the late 1950s and early 1960s

swing

A style of big band jazz music popular in the 1930s and 1940s

expressionism

A style of early 20th-century music where composers expressed their innermost feelings as opposed to impressionism

fingerpicking

A style of guitar or banjo playing where the player uses their fingers or fingerpicks to pluck the strings

Dixieland

A style of jazz developed in New Orleans during the early 1900s characterized by syncopated rhythms and improvisation. The standard instrumentation includes cornet, clarinet, trombone, piano, drums, banjo (or guitar) and tuba

progressive jazz

A style of jazz of the 1950s with flowing melodies

bebop

A style of jazz that originated in the 1940s, characterized by extended harmonies, improvisation, complex rhythms and fast tempos

stride

A style of piano playing with large leaps in the left hand

fusion

A style of popular music that combines the styles of jazz and rock

Motown sound

A style of popular music that originated in the 1960s which combined gospel, rhythm & blues and pop styles. Its name comes from Motown Records

rap

A style of popular music that originated in the late 1970s characterized by rhyming lyrics that are spoken or half-sung in a syncopated style over a rhythmic accompaniment

soul

A style of rhythm & blues influenced by gospel music

punk rock

A style of rock music popular in the late 1970s characterized by simple melodies and harmonies, and political lyrics

grunge

A style of rock similar to heavy metal, popular in the 1990s

recitative (It.)

A style of singing that imitates speech, usually found between arias of an opera or oratorio

ragtime

A style of syncopated American music popular from around 1895 to 1918 that is an early type of jazz

rosin

A substance that is applied to the hair of a bow to increase friction with the strings. Also called resin

melody

A succession of single notes

sforzando (It.)

A sudden, strong accent abbreviated sf or sfz

gong

A suspended circular metal plate that is struck with a large felt mallet. Also known as a tam-tam

caesura

A symbol indicating a sudden pause in the music

tango

A syncopated Argentinian dance in a slow duple meter, popular as an American ballroom dance in the early 20th century

habanera (Sp.)

A syncopated Cuban dance in duple meter

rumba

A syncopated Cuban dance whose rhythms were incorporated into jazz around 1930

eurhythmics

A system developed by Emile Jaques-Dalcroze that teaches rhythm through the movement of the body

movable-do

A system of assigning syllables to notes where the first note of any diatonic scale is called "do"

mensural notation

A system of musical notation used from around 1250 to 1600 that indicates the duration of each note

shape-note

A system of notation where different shapes are used to indicate different notes of the scale

tablature

A system of notation where tones are not indicated by notes on a staff but, rather, by letters, numbers or other figures. The most common use is to show finger position for guitar, lute and other stringed instruments

mean-tone temperament

A system of tuning used from the early 1500s until around 1830 which provided pure intonation for the key of C major at the expense of many notes outside of that key being out of tune

just intonation

A system of tuning where all intervals are derived from the pure fifth and the pure third, as opposed to temperament

temperament

A system of tuning where intervals are altered from those that are acoustically pure

roll

A technique on percussion instruments that creates a rapid succession of notes

hammer-on

A technique on stringed instruments where the first note is played, then a second note is tapped down with another finger. Both notes are played on the same string

pull-off

A technique on stringed instruments where two notes are fingered on the same string, the higher note is played, then the finger of the higher note is raised keeping the lower note fingered

plop

A technique on wind instruments where a rapid chromatic or diatonic scale is played down into the main note

spill

A technique on wind instruments where the main note is played followed by a rapid diatonic or chromatic drop

flip

A technique on wind instruments where the main note is played, raised in pitch and then is dropped into the following note

doit

A technique on wind instruments where the main note is sounded, followed by a glissando upwards one to five steps

tapping

A technique used on guitar and electric bass where the performer taps down on the fretted string with the index or middle finger of the pick hand. This is usually followed by a pull-off to sound a lower note

alla breve (It.)

A tempo indication where the half note receives the beat rather than the quarter note. Also called cut time

adagietto (It.)

A tempo slightly faster than adagio

larghetto (It.)

A tempo slightly faster than largo

music drama

A term used by Richard Wagner to describe opera

major

A term used to describe chords, intervals and scales

song forms

A ternary form (ABA)

reed

A thin piece of cane, metal, wood or plastic that produces a sound when air causes it to vibrate

free reed

A thin tongue of metal that is fastened over an opening through which air is forced either by bellows (harmonium, accordion) or by the player's lungs (harmonica)

triad

A three-note chord consisting of a root, third and fifth. The four kinds of triads are major, minor, diminished and augmented

samisen (Jap.)

A three-stringed Japanese guitar with no frets

compound meter

A time signature where each beat is divisible by three. For example, 6/8, 6/4, 9/8, 9/4, 12/8, etc.

simple meter

A time signature where each beat is divisible by two. For example, 2/4, 3/4 and 4/4

quintuple meter

A time signature with five beats to the measure

quadruple meter

A time signature with four beats to the measure

triple meter

A time signature with three beats to the measure

duple meter

A time signature with two beats to the measure

flutter tonguing

A tonguing technique on wind instruments where a tremolo effect is created by rapid fluttering of the tongue

major triad

A triad consisting of a root, major third and perfect fifth

diminished triad

A triad consisting of a root, minor third and diminished fifth. The C diminished triad is C, E-flat, and G-flat

minor triad

A triad consisting of a root, minor third and perfect fifth

six chord

A triad in first inversion, that is, with the third in the bass

six-four chord

A triad in second inversion, that is, with the fifth in the bass

added sixth

A triad including the sixth note above the root. For example: C, E, G, A

open fifth

A triad that does not contain the third

shake

A trill

lip trill

A trill performed on a brass instrument that is made without using valves

slide trumpet

A trumpet that uses a slide rather than valves

helicon

A tuba with a circular shape designed to allow the player to carry it over their shoulder while marching

Sousaphone

A tuba, named after John Philip Sousa, with a circular shape for ease of carrying and forward facing bell. Used primarily for marching

crook

A tube inserted into a horn or trumpet that changes its pitch. Crooks were used before valves were introduced

kettledrum

A tunable orchestral drum that looks like a large brass kettle with a membrane stretched over the top. Usually played in pairs and also called timpani

vibes, vibraharp, vibraphone

A tuned percussion instrument similar to a xylophone, with metal bars, tubular metal resonators and an electronic fan in each resonator that creates a vibrato effect

marimba

A tuned percussion instrument, similar to a xylophone, with tubular metal resonators under each wooden bar

tuning fork

A two-pronged metal fork that, when struck, produces a pure pitch

trio sonata

A type of baroque chamber music with two melodic parts supported by a figured bass

malagueña (Sp.)

A type of folk music from southern Spain

Dobro®

A type of guitar with a circular metal resonator on its belly

scat

A type of improvisational jazz singing that uses nonsense syllables rather than words

verismo (It.)

A type of late 19th-century Italian opera that presents realistic plots and characters. Literally means "realism"

French overture

A type of overture developed in the 18th century that has three sections: the first is slow, the second is fast and the third is slow

rock, rock 'n' roll

A type of popular music that grew out of rhythm & blues in the 1950s. Also see punk rock, salsa, fusion, grunge, heavy metal, jazz-rock and zydeco

rhythm & blues

A type of popular music that is the precursor of rock 'n' roll, characterized by repetitive rhythms, simple melodies and harmonies, and elements of blues. Abbreviated R&B

yodel

A type of singing popular in the Alps of Austria and Switzerland characterized by frequent alternation of chest tones with falsetto tones

FM synthesis

A type of synthesis where sounds are created by controlling the frequency modulation of waveforms

decibel

A unit for measuring the loudness or intensity of sound. Abbreviated dB.

Hertz

A unit of measuring cycles per second of waveforms. Abbreviated Hz

piston

A valve

parameter

A variable in synthesis that can be changed

bar line

A vertical line that divides measures or bars

cadenza (It.)

A virtuosic solo section of a piece used to display the performer's technique, either written by the composer or improvised by the performer

vocalise (Fr.)

A vocal etude or exercise sung to vowels

pastorale (It.)

A vocal or instrumental piece imitating the music of shepherds or idyllic scenes

dirge

A vocal or instrumental piece that is written to be performed at a funeral

pulse wave

A waveform common in synthesis

sawtooth wave

A waveform common in synthesis

square wave

A waveform common in synthesis

triangle wave

A waveform common in synthesis

semibreve

A whole note

whole step

A whole tone

digeridoo

A wind instrument native to Australia made of wood or bamboo

chantey, chanty, shanty

A work song sung by sailors

abandon, abbandono (Fr., It.)

Abandon, free, passionate

BWV

Abbreviation for "Bach-Werke Verzeichnis." The thematic catalogue of the works of J.S. Bach. BWV numbers are used in place of opus numbers when referring to J.S. Bach's compositions

D

Abbreviation for "Deutsch," the cataloguer of Schubert's works. D numbers are used for Schubert's compositions in place of opus numbers

H.

Abbreviation for "Hoboken," the cataloger of Haydn's works. H numbers are used for Haydn's compositions in place of opus numbers

WoO

Abbreviation for "Werk ohne Opuszahl" which means work without opus number

DAT

Abbreviation for "digital audio tape"

LFO

Abbreviation for "low-frequency oscillator"

MIDI

Abbreviation for "musical instrument digital interface." A digital language used to connect computers, synthesizers and sequencers

ASCAP

Abbreviation for American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers

BMI

Abbreviation for Broadcast Music, Inc.

CD

Abbreviation for Compact Disc--a digital recording on a small disk

GM

Abbreviation for General MIDI

Hz

Abbreviation for Hertz

fp

Abbreviation for a dynamic symbol meaning loud (forte) then soft (piano)

Op. Posth.

Abbreviation for a posthumous opus, that is, a work published after the composer's death

sfp

Abbreviation for a sforzando followed immediately by playing piano (soft)

A

Abbreviation for alto

amp

Abbreviation for amplifier

AM

Abbreviation for amplitude modulation

B.

Abbreviation for bass

continuo (It.)

Abbreviation for basso continuo

bpm

Abbreviation for beats per minute

C & W

Abbreviation for country & western

D.C.

Abbreviation for da capo

D.S.

Abbreviation for dal segno

dB

Abbreviation for decibel

EQ

Abbreviation for equalizer or equalization

ff

Abbreviation for fortissimo

fff

Abbreviation for fortississimo

fz

Abbreviation for forzando and sforzando

FM

Abbreviation for frequency modulation

gliss.

Abbreviation for glissando

G.P.

Abbreviation for grand pause

l.v.

Abbreviation for laissez vibrer

L.H.

Abbreviation for left hand

N

Abbreviation for niente

PM

Abbreviation for palm mute

pf

Abbreviation for pianoforte

pizz.

Abbreviation for pizzicato

pos.

Abbreviation for position

R&B

Abbreviation for rhythm & blues

R

Abbreviation for right

R.H.

Abbreviation for right hand

rf, rfz

Abbreviation for rinforzando

rit.

Abbreviation for ritardando

S.

Abbreviation for segno, sign, sinistra, solo, soprano and subito

sf

Abbreviation for sforzando

sfz

Abbreviation for sforzando

sim.

Abbreviation for simile

TAB

Abbreviation for tablature

T.

Abbreviation for tasto, tenor, tonic and trill

tr

Abbreviation for trill

V.

Abbreviation for verse, vide, violin, voice, voce and volti

Va.

Abbreviation for viola

Vla.

Abbreviation for viola

v.v.

Abbreviation for violins

Vlc.

Abbreviation for violoncello

vc.

Abbreviation for violoncello

SA

Abbreviation in choral music for soprano and alto

SAB

Abbreviation in choral music for soprano, alto and baritone (or bass)

SATB

Abbreviation in choral music for soprano, alto, tenor and bass

SSA

Abbreviation in choral music for soprano, soprano, alto

SSAA

Abbreviation in choral music for soprano, soprano, alto, alto

TTB

Abbreviation in choral music for tenor, tenor and bass

TTBB

Abbreviation in choral music for tenor, tenor, bass (or baritone) and bass

NARAS

Abbreviation of "National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences." This organization is responsible for the Grammy awards

div.

Abbreviation of divisi

V.S.

Abbreviation of volti subito

PCM

Abbreviation, in synthesis, for "pulse code modulation," which is a method of storing samples

Vl., Vln.

Abbreviations for violin

sopra (It.)

Above

assoluto (It.)

Absolute

calcando (It.)

Accelerating the tempo

forzando, forzato (It.)

Accented, abbreviated fz

marcato (It.)

Accented, stressed

marqué (Fr.)

Accented, stressed

castrato (It.)

Adult male singers who were castrated as boys in order to keep the same vocal range as their bodies grew. When they had matured they had the vocal range of a soprano or alto and the strength and lung capacity of a man. This practice stopped in the 19th century and their parts are now sung by sopranos, countertenors or transposed down to be sung by tenors or baritones

nach (Ger.)

After, in the manner of

encore (Fr.)

Again. The adding or repeating of a piece due to overwhelming enthusiasm from the audience; usually occurs at the end of a concert

agitato (It.)

Agitated

tutti (It.)

All. Usually places at the end of an extended solo passage when the entire ensemble enters

cut time

2/2 meter

sempre (It.)

Always

spiritual

American folk hymns most commonly associated with black slaves of the 19th century

loure (Fr.)

1. A 17th-century dance in a moderate 6/4 time; 2. A bagpipe

musette (Fr.)

1. A French bagpipe popular in the 17th and 18th centuries; 2. A dance with a drone bass imitating the sound of a bagpipe; 3. A flageolet

cotillon (Fr.)

1. A French dance popular during the 18th and 19th centuries that would be the final dance of the evening; 2. A quadrille

Bogen (Ger.)

1. A bow; 2. A slur or tie

album

1. A collection of musical pieces either printed or recorded; 2. Slang for a 12-inch vinyl recording

phrase

1. A complete musical idea; 2. A part of a period

octet

1. A composition for eight performers; 2. A group of eight performers

quintet

1. A composition for five performers; 2. An ensemble of five performers

quartet

1. A composition for four performers; 2. An ensemble of four performers

nonet

1. A composition for nine performers; 2. A group of nine performers

septet

1. A composition for seven performers; 2. A group of seven performers

sextet

1. A composition for sixth performers; 2. A group of six performers

trio

1. A composition for three performers; 2. An ensemble of three performers; 3. The middle section of a march minuet, minuet or scherzo

duet

1. A composition for two performers; 2. A composition for two performers playing on one instrument, usually the piano. Also called a duo

ritornello (It.)

1. A conclusion that restates previously heard material; 2. The tutti sections of a concerto grosso

leader

1. A conductor; 2. A concertmaster

chaconne (Fr.)

1. A continuous set of variations based on a repeating harmonic progression. It is very similar to a passacaglia; 2. A sensual Mexican dance that was popular in Spain during the 16th century

swell

1. A crescendo; 2. A device on an organ that controls the crescendo or diminuendo of sound

gigue (Fr.)

1. A dance, usually in 6/8, commonly found in a suite; 2. A jig

capotasto (It.)

1. A device placed around the fretboard or fingerboard of a stringed instrument that raises the pitch of the strings; 2. The nut of a stringed instrument

dot

1. A dot over or under a note indicates it is to be played staccato; 2. A dot to the right of a note indicates the note's value is increased by half. A second or third dot to the right of a note indicates the note's value is increased by half of the value of the dot preceding it

opera

1. A drama set to music for voices and orchestra, presented with costumes and sets; 2. The plural of opus

ballade (Fr.)

1. A dramatic instrumental composition; 2. A medieval poetic French song

two step

1. A fast ballroom dance popular in America during the early 20th century; 2. A fast country & western dance popular in the late 20th century

tasto (It.)

1. A fingerboard or fretboard; 2. A key on a keyboard

touche (Fr.)

1. A fingerboard; 2. The keys of a piano; 3. A fret

chorus

1. A group of singers not associated with a church. Singers of secular music; 2. Music sung by such a group; 3. The refrain or burden of a song; 4. Bagpipe

set

1. A grouping of pitches; 2. Slang for a drumset

catch

1. A humorous round or canon for three or more voices

organ

1. A keyboard instrument with both manual and pedal keyboards that produces sound by sending air through pipes of various lengths; 2. An electronic instrument that creates the sounds made by a pipe organ

symphony

1. A large-scale composition for orchestra, usually in four movements; 2. An orchestra

vaudeville (Fr., Eng.)

1. A light variety show popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries that featured short comedies interspersed with popular songs; 2. A late 16th-century song with amorous text; 3. An early 18th-century song with satirical lyrics set to a popular melody

serenade

1. A light vocal or instrumental composition; 2. A song sung beneath a lover's window at night

bourdon (Fr.)

1. A long, low drone; 2. Large pipes of an organ; 3. A large bell with a deep pitch

common chord

1. A major or minor triad

ictus (Lat.)

1. A marking used in Gregorian chant that indicates groupings of notes; 2. An accent

pedal

1. A mechanism on a musical instrument that is operated with the feet, most frequently found on the piano, organ, harp and harpsichord; 2. The lowest notes available on a brass instrument (fundamental); 3. Abbreviation for pedal point

rondeau (Fr.)

1. A medieval French song with instrumental accompaniment; 2. A rondo

part

1. A melodic line in contrapuntal music; 2. The music for a particular instrument or voice; 3. A section of a composition

tune

1. A melody; 2. To adjust the pitch of an instrument

stroke

1. A motion made with a drumstick or mallet; 2. A motion made with a bow

scherzo (It.)

1. A movement of symphonies, sonatas and quartets in a quick triple meter that replaced the minuet; 2. Light vocal music of the baroque period. Literally means "a joke"

cyclic, cyclical

1. A musical composition made up of several complete movements, such as a sonata, suite, symphony or cantata; 2. Compositions that have related thematic material in some or all of the movements

burlesque

1. A musical farce; 2. A comical stage show composed of various unrelated segments

response

1. A musical reply sung by the choir or congregation; 2. The answer in a fugue

ode

1. A musical work of praise; 2. A chorus in ancient Greek plays

ligature

1. A notational sign, from the 13th to 16th centuries, that combines two or more notes into one symbol; 2. An adjustable band that holds the reed to the mouthpiece on clarinets and saxophones

pickup

1. A note (or notes) that occurs before the first complete measure; 2. An electronic device that converts vibrations of an instrument into electrical impulses

crash cymbal

1. A pair of large cymbals that are struck together to create a loud crashing sound; 2. A single large cymbal struck with a mallet or drumstick

register

1. A part of the range of an instrument or voice that is different from other parts; 2. A set of pipes or reeds on an organ that is controlled by one stop

recital

1. A performance by one or two performers; 2. A performance featuring the works of one composer

upright

1. A piano that has its strings arranged diagonally across a vertical sound board. As opposed to a grand piano; 2. Slang for a double bass

Klavier (Ger.)

1. A piano; 2. Any stringed keyboard instrument; 3. A keyboard

jack

1. A piece of wood that holds the quill or leather that plucks the string of a harpsichord; 2. A receptacle for an electronic plug

solo (It., Lat., Sp.)

1. A piece where a performer plays alone or with accompaniment; 2. An indication in orchestral parts for a performer to play alone and bring out their part

tone

1. A pitch; 2. The interval of a second; 3. The quality of sound of a voice or instrument

hyper-

1. A prefix meaning above; 2. A mode that begins and ends a fifth above the initial tone

hypo-

1. A prefix meaning below; 2. A mode that begins and ends a fifth below the initial tone

burden

1. A refrain of a song; 2. The drone of a bagpipe

pause

1. A rest; 2. A fermata

flamenco (Sp.)

1. A rhythmic Andalusian (Spanish) dance or song; 2. A rhythmical and improvisatory style of guitar playing

hymn

1. A sacred song of praise to God; 2. A nationalistic song

transition

1. A section of a composition that links two substantial passages; 2. A modulation

episode

1. A section of a fugue that does not include the subject; 2. A secondary section of a piece that does not include the main theme

notturno (It.)

1. A serenade; 2. A nocturne

serenata (It.)

1. A serenade; 2. An 18th-century dramatic cantata

stop

1. A set of organ pipes; 2. A device on an organ that controls which pipes are getting air; 3. The placing of a finger on a string of a stringed instrument

patch

1. A set of parameters stored in the memory of a synthesizer; 2. To connect various electronic devices with patch cords

concertino (It.)

1. A short concerto usually in one movement; 2. The group of soloists in a concerto grosso

intermezzo (It.)

1. A short lyrical instrumental piece either part of a larger work or as an independent composition; 2. Comical musical entertainment played between the acts of an opera during the 18th century

cabaletta (It.)

1. A short operatic song in popular style with uniform rhythm in both the vocal and accompanimental parts; 2. In late 19th-century Italian opera, the final section of an elaborate aria that ends with a quick uniform rhythm

motet

1. A short unaccompanied contrapuntal choral composition of the 13th through 15th centuries; 2. A choral piece, usually accompanied, written in the 17th and 18th centuries

parlando, parlante (It.)

1. A singing style that approximates speech; 2. Clear and crisp

kit

1. A small violin used in the 17th and 18th centuries; 2. Slang for a drum kit

ballad

1. A song that tells a story; 2. A slow sentimental song; 3. Originally a song accompanying dancing

harp

1. A stringed instrument with a triangular shape whose strings run vertically and seven pedals that change the pitch of the strings; 2. Slang for a harmonica

Latin

1. A style of music that uses rhythms popular in South America; 2. The ancient language often used for choral music of the Catholic church

tetrachord

1. A succession of four notes within a perfect fourth; 2. In twelve-tone music, a set of four pitch classes

partita (It.)

1. A suite; 2. Variation

pedal tone

1. A sustained or continually repeated note; 2. The lowest notes available on a brass instrument (fundamental)

sinfonia (It.)

1. A symphony; 2. An overture to an opera, suite or cantata; 3. The name Bach gave to his three-part inventions; 4. A chamber orchestra

andantino (It.)

1. A tempo slightly faster than andante; 2. A tempo slightly slower than andante

bridge

1. A thin piece of wood on stringed instruments that holds the strings away from the belly of the instrument; 2. Slang for bridge passage

flourish

1. A trumpet fanfare; 2. A passage with ornamentation

bugle

1. A valveless brass instrument that plays the notes of the overtone series. It commonly has a range similar to a B-flat trumpet and is used for military signaling; 2. A generic term for brass instruments

SMPTE

1. Abbreviation for Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers; 2. Slang for the time code used to synchronize sound in television and motion pictures

lyra, lyre

1. An ancient Greek stringed instrument similar to a harp; 2. An attachment to an instrument to hold music while marching; 3. A glockenspiel

organum (It.)

1. An early form of polyphonic music from around 900 and 1200 that consists of a plainchant melody harmonized with parallel fourths or fifths; 2. An organ

master

1. An electronic device that controls other devices; 2. The final version of a recording

band

1. An ensemble consisting of woodwind, brass and percussion instruments. For example, marching band, concert band or symphonic band; 2. A full symphony orchestra; 3. Slang for a group of performers of popular music, for example a rock band

Einsatz (Ger.)

1. An entrance; 2. An attack

arabesque (Fr.)

1. An imaginative piano piece; 2. An ornamented passage accompanying or varying a theme

vamp

1. An improvised accompaniment or introduction; 2. An accompanimental figure or introduction that is repeated until all the performers are ready to continue

polyphonic

1. An instrument capable of sounding two or more notes at one time; 2. Polyphony

postlude

1. An instrumental piece played at the conclusion of a church service, usually for an organ; 2. A coda

verse

1. An introductory section of a popular song or ballad; 2. In popular music, the section of a song that tells a story and changes with each repetition, which is followed by the refrain

diapason (Gr.)

1. An octave; 2. The range of a voice or instrument; 3. The principal or main foundation stop of an organ; 4. Standard pitch

manuscript

1. An original copy of a piece of music, physically written by the composer; 2. A type of paper with blank staves on which music is written

brisé (Fr.)

1. Arpeggiated playing; 2. Détaché

scoring

1. Arranging, instrumentation, orchestration; 2. To compose music for the film

clausula (Lat.)

1. Cadence; 2. Composition of the 12th and 13th centuries based on a short fragment of the Gregorian chant

jingle

1. Catchy music used to promote a product on television or radio; 2. Small metal plates attached to a tambourine

Kapelle (Ger.)

1. Chapel; 2. A small private ensemble

messa di voce (It.)

An 18th-century bel canto vocal technique where the vocalist will gradually crescendo and decrescendo on a sustained note

glass armonica

An 18th-century instrument developed by Benjamin Franklin that consists of a set of various-sized glasses that are rubbed by a wet finger to produce different pitches. Sometimes referred to as the "glass harmonica"

conga

An African dance in 2/4 where the dancers form a chain or line that moves in straight lines or circles

cakewalk

An American dance popular in the 1890s with ragtime rhythms

jazz

An American musical style of the 20th century characterized by syncopated rhythms and improvisation

country

An American popular music characterized by dance rhythms, a simple musical structure and down-to-earth lyrics

écossaise (Fr.)

An English country dance usually in 2/4 time, popular in the late 18th and early 19th centuries

tambura (Hin.)

An Indian long-necked lute with four strings that are played open as a drone

vina

An Indian stringed instrument that looks like a lute but is actually a zither

sarangi (Hin.)

An Indian three-stringed bowed lute

gamelan

An Indonesian orchestra consisting of gongs, drums, cymbals, pitched percussion and some stringed and woodwind instruments

tarantella (It.)

An Italian dance in a fast 6/8 meter

bergamasca (It.)

An Italian peasant's dance from the 16th and 17th centuries, based on the harmonic progression of I-IV-V-I

Alberti bass

An accompaniment derived from broken chords usually found in the left-hand part of keyboard music

ostinato (It.)

An accompaniment figure that is repeated

arrangement

An adaptation of a composition for a medium other than which it was originally written

ut

1. Do; 2. The French name for the note C

bis (It.)

1. Encore!; 2. Repeat the notes or section

hand organ

1. English barrel organ; 2. Italian street organ used by organ-grinders

horn

1. French horn; 2. Slang for any wind instrument

fuga (Lat., It.)

1. Fugue; 2. In music from the Middle Ages until the 17th century—a canon

allemande (Fr.)

1. German dance usually in duple meter, commonly found in a suite; 2. A German dance in 3/4 time

plainchant, plainsong

1. Gregorian chant; 2. Monophonic, unmeasured chant

metronome

An adjustable device that indicates the exact tempo of a piece

ossia (It.)

An alternate part

basset horn

An alto clarinet pitched in F

English horn

An alto oboe in F, that sounds a fifth below its written pitch

sistrum

An ancient Egyptian metal rattle

aulos (Gr.)

An ancient Greek double-reed wind instrument

kithara (Gr.)

An ancient Greek stringed instrument similar to a lyre

shofar (Heb.)

An ancient Jewish trumpet made from a ram's horn

oliphant

An ancient horn made from an elephant's tusk (ivory)

monochord

An ancient instrument with one string stretched over a sound box and a moveable bridge which is adjusted to produce different pitches

dulcimer

An ancient stringed instrument consisting of wire strings stretched over a sound box that are either plucked with a pick or struck with small hammers

psaltery

An ancient stringed instrument similar to a zither that is played by plucking the strings with the fingers or a pick

inversion

1. Harmonic: The transferring of a lower pitch of an interval an octave higher, or a higher pitch an octave lower; 2. Melodic: To change each ascending interval into the corresponding descending interval; 3. Chords: A chord whose lowest tone is other than the root. A first inversion chord has the third in the bass. A second inversion chord has the fifth in the bass. A third inversion chord is a seventh chord with the seventh in the bass

voicing

1. How notes are arranged in a chord; 2. To adjust timbre and pitch of the pipes in an organ; 3. The adjustment of the hammers on a piano to improve tone quality

la

1. In the fixed-do system, the note A; 2. In the movable-do system, the sixth note of the scale

si (It.)

1. In the fixed-do system, the note B; 2. In the movable-do system, the seventh note of the scale

do (It.)

1. In the fixed-do system, the note C; 2. In the movable-do system, the first note of the scale

re (It.)

1. In the fixed-do system, the note D; 2. In the movable-do system, the second note of the scale

mi (It.)

1. In the fixed-do system, the note E; 2. In the movable-do system, the third note of the scale

fa, fah

1. In the fixed-do system, the note F; 2. In the movable-do system, the fourth note of the scale

sol (It.)

1. In the fixed-do system, the note G; 2. In the movable-do system, the fifth note of the scale

canto (It.)

1. Melody, song; 2. The instrument or voice with the melody

time

1. Meter or tempo; 2. The duration of a note

folk music, folk song

1. Music passed down orally from generation to generation; 2. Music of a specific region

fantaisie, fantasia, fantasy (Fr., It.)

1. Music with an improvisatory feel; 2. A piece in free form; 3. Improvisation

chromatic

1. Notes foreign to a key or scale; 2. A series of notes moving in half steps

partials

1. Notes of the harmonic series; 2. Harmonics

damper

1. On a piano, the mechanism that stops the strings from vibrating; 2. Mute

open

1. On stringed instruments, a string that is not fingered; 2. On brass instruments, not muted or stopped

interlude

1. Organ music played between verses of a psalm or hymn; 2. An instrumental piece played between the acts of a play

intone, intonation

1. Playing or singing in tune with other performers; 2. The opening phrase of plainsong that establishes the mode

tremolo (It.)

1. Rapidly repeating a single note or chord; 2. Alternating rapidly between two notes or chords

rest

1. Silence; 2. Symbols that are used to indicate silence

cross rhythm

1. Simultaneous use of conflicting rhythms for example, two notes against three; 2. Shifting the beats of a measure, for example, dividing a measure of 9/8 into 3+2+2+2 eighth notes instead of the usual 3+3+3

retardation

1. Slowing gradually; 2. A suspension that resolves upward

campanelle (It.)

1. Small bells; 2. A glockenspiel

cue

1. Small notes on an instrumental part that show another instrument's part; 2. A conductor's gesture to a performer to acknowledge an entrance; 3. A musical piece in a movie

piano (It.)

1. Soft, abbreviated p; 2. A pianoforte

cavatina (It.)

1. Songlike instrumental piece; 2. A short solo aria

ancòra (It.)

1. Still, again; 2. Repeat, encore

rinforzando (It.)

1. Stressed; 2. Suddenly loud. Abbreviated rf or rfz

M.M.

1. The abbreviation for "Maezel's metronome"; 2. Abbreviation for a master's degree in music

reverb, reverberation

1. The amount of time a sound remains in a room after the actual source has stopped. An echo; 2. An electronic effect that simulates an echo

position

1. The arrangement of the notes of a chord; 2. The placement of the hand on the fingerboard or fretboard of a stringed instrument; 3. The placement of the slide of a trombone

head

1. The beginning of a piece of movement; 2. The tip of the bow; 3. A drumhead

break

1. The change from the lower register to the higher register of a clarinet; 2. The point a voice passes from the chest register to the head register; 3. In jazz, a solo section inserted into a vocal or instrumental piece

durchführung (Ger.)

1. The exposition of a fugue; 2. The development of a sonata form

prime

1. The first note of a scale; 2. A unison

antecedent

1. The first phrase of a musical period; 2. The theme or subject of a canon or fugue

exposition

1. The first section of the sonata form that includes the primary theme, a transition, the secondary theme and a closing theme; 2. The first section of a fugue, where the subject is stated in all the voices

panpipes

An ancient wind instrument consisting of a number of tuned pipes of different sizes which are bound together

bell

1. The flared end of many wind and brass instruments; 2. A hollow metal percussion instrument that is sounded when struck by a clapper hanging inside, or an external hammer. Bells are available in various sizes

capo (It.)

1. The head or beginning of a piece; 2. The nut of a stringed instrument; 3. A capotasto

tenor

1. The highest natural male singing voice; 2. The voice, in early polyphony, that carries the melody or cantus firmus; 3. A viola; 4. A name given to instruments whose range is similar to the tenor voice

descant

1. The highest part in polyphonic music; 2. A high obbligato part above the melody; 3. The name given to the highest-pitched instrument in an instrumental family

texture

1. The horizontal and vertical relationship of musical elements such as monophonic, homophonic and polyphonic textures; 2. The instrumentation of a composition: light texture uses few instruments whereas heavy texture uses many instruments

finale (It.)

1. The last movement of a piece in several movements; 2. The closing section of an opera

principal

1. The leader of an orchestral section; 2. A diapason stop on an organ

alto (It.)

1. The lowest female singing voice sometimes called a contralto; 2. A high, falsetto male singing voice; 3. Viola; 4. High

bass

1. The lowest male singing voice; 2. The lowest sounding part of a musical composition; 3. The lowest instrument of an instrumental family; 4. The double bass

chalumeau (Fr.)

1. The lowest register of the clarinet; 2. The 17th-century name for an early oboe or clarinet; 3. The chanter of a bagpipe

prima donna (It.)

1. The main female singer in an opera; 2. A conceited, jealous performer

theme

1. The main musical idea, usually a melody, of a composition; 2. A subject

classical

1. The musical period from 1750-1820 where form and structure was stressed over expression. Composers of this period include Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven; 2. "Serious" or "art" music as opposed to popular or folk music

bocal (Fr.)

1. The part of a bassoon that connects the reed to the instrument; 2. The mouthpiece of a brass instrument

nut

1. The part of a stringed instrument at the top of the neck that keeps the string raised over the fingerboard or fretboard; 2. Part of a bow, at the frog, that adjusts the tension of the bow-hairs

console

1. The part of the organ operated by the organist; 2. An upright piano slightly taller than a spinet

fingering, finger

1. The placement of fingers on an instrument; 2. The markings in music that guide a performer's placement of their fingers

embouchure (Fr.)

1. The position and shape of the mouth and lips of a wind player; 2. A mouthpiece of a wind instrument

sequence

1. The repetition of a musical phrase at different pitch levels; 2. A Roman Catholic hymn; 3. The information recorded onto or played by a sequencer

fundamental

1. The root of a chord; 2. The lowest note of a harmonic series

consequent

1. The second phase in a musical period; 2. The answer of a fugue

phrasing

1. The shaping of a melodic line; 2. An articulation mark used to imply the phrasing of a line

spinet

1. The smallest upright piano; 2. An early keyboard instrument, similar to a harpsichord

concert pitch

1. The sounding pitch of an instrument as opposed to a written pitch. For example, the written C on a B-flat clarinet has a concert pitch of B-flat; 2. The note used as standard tuning for all instrumentalists of an ensemble. The standard tuning is usually A440

voice

1. The sounds produced by the human vocal cords; 2. A part or melody line in polyphony

sharp

1. The symbol # that indicates to raise a pitch one half step; 2. A pitch played or sung that is slightly higher than normal

o

1. The symbol for a harmonic; 2. The symbol for an open string; 3. The symbol for a diminished chord

flat

1. The symbol that indicates a note to be lowered one half step; 2. When a pitch is lower than normal, i.e., out of tune

bowing

1. The technique of drawing the bowhairs across the strings of a stringed instrument; 2. The different styles or techniques of bowing: Plain bowing, détaché, martelé, sautillé, jeté, louré, staccatto, sul ponticello, sul tasto, tremolo and col legno

key

1. The tonal center of composition; 2. The part of the action of a keyboard instrument that is touched by the fingers; 3. A lever on a woodwind instrument that is moved by the fingers

amplitude

1. The volume of a sound; 2. In electronic music, the height of a waveform which determines the volume of a sound

lyric

1. The words or text of a popular song; 2. In a singing or expressive style

volta (It.)

1. Time, as in "prima volta" or "first time"; 2. A quick dance in triple time popular around 1600

timbales (Sp.)

1. Timpani; 2. Cuban drums similar to bongos that are struck with two sticks

slide

1. To move smoothly from one note to another; 2. The movable portion of brass instruments, particularly the trombone, that adjusts the pitch; 3. A glass or metal tube that fits over a finger of a guitarist's fretting hand

double

1. To play or sing in unison with another performer; 2. To play or sing the same part an octave above or below another performer; 3. To play a second instrument

dance

1. To rhythmically move to music; 2. A composition used to accompany those who are dancing

glissando (It.)

1. To slide from one note to another; 2. On a piano, a rapid scale produced by sliding fingers over the desired keys

choral, chorale

1. Vocal music; 2. A group of singers

Stimme (Ger.)

1. Voice; 2. Part; 3. Organ stop

stretto (It.)

1. When, in a fugue, the answer begins before the subject is completed. It usually occurs near the end of a fugue in order to create excitement; 2. An ending section of a piece that is in a faster tempo

pipe

1. Wind instruments in the shape of a tube; 2. A tube that creates a musical tone when air is forced through, like those in an organ

bagpipe

An ancient wind instrument that consists of several reed pipes which are attached to a bag that is filled with air by the player. The bag is held under the arm and squeezed to force air through the pipes. One of the pipes, called a chanter, has finger holes to play melodies and the other pipes are called drones which play a single low drone

transcription

An arrangement of a composition for voices or instruments other than those for which it was originally intended

piano score

An arrangement of an orchestral or vocal work for piano

medley

An arrangement that links together two or more popular songs

ska

An early form of reggae

oboe de caccia (It.)

An early version of the English horn used during the Renaissance

sackbut

An early version of the trombone

Urtext (Ger.)

An edition of a composition that gives, or attempts to give, the composer's original notation without editorial additions

quaver

An eighth note

steel guitar

An electric guitar that is placed horizontally, sometimes in the performer's lap, and played with a steel or slide

electric bass

An electric solid-body guitar with four strings tuned to the same pitches as the double bass

signal

An electrical impulse used in synthesis

signal processor

An electronic device that alters an audio signal such as a device that produces effects

envelope generator

An electronic device that controls the envelope of a sound

equalizer

An electronic device that enables equalization

mixer

An electronic device that enables one to mix. Also called a mixing console or mixing board

oscillator

An electronic device that generates audio waveforms

slave

An electronic device that is controlled by another device

drum machine

An electronic device with analog or digital percussion sounds that organizes those sounds into rhythmic patterns

flanging

An electronic effect that creates a hollow sound

fuzz tone

An electronic effect used most commonly with electric guitar that imitates the sound of an amplifier with its volume turned up to the point of distorting the sound

Theremin

An electronic instrument originally played by moving the hands around an antenna

electric piano

An electronic keyboard instrument that creates sounds by striking bars, reeds or strings

digital piano

An electronic keyboard instrument whose sounds are digital samples

limiter

An electronic signal processor that reduces peaks in volume

pedal steel guitar

An electronic steel guitar mounted on a stand with pedals and knee levers that change the tunings of the strings

Sturm und Drang (Ger.)

An emotional style of composition in the late 18th century characterized by the use of minor keys. Literally "storm and stress"

recorder

An end-blown flute with a whistle mouthpiece, most commonly found in music of the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Modern recorders are available in four sizes, soprano, alto, tenor and bass

coda (It.)

An ending section of a movement or piece

drum and bugle corps

An ensemble consisting of brass and percussion instruments that perform choreographed marching maneuvers as they play

piano trio

An ensemble consisting of piano, violin and cello, or a composition for that ensemble

piano quartet

An ensemble consisting of piano, violin, viola and cello, or a composition for that ensemble

string quartet

An ensemble consisting of two violins, viola and cello, or a composition for that ensemble

concert band

An ensemble consisting of woodwind, brass and percussion instruments

mariachi (Sp.)

An ensemble of Mexican folk musicians

brass band

An ensemble of brass instruments

brass trio

An ensemble usually consisting of a trumpet, horn and trombone, or a composition for that ensemble

wind quintet

An ensemble usually consisting of flute, oboe, clarinet, horn and bassoon, or a composition for that ensemble

piano quintet

An ensemble usually consisting of piano, two violins, viola and cello, or a composition for that ensemble. Schubert's "Trout" quintet uses the unusual ensemble of piano, violin, viola, cello and double bass

brass quintet

An ensemble usually consisting of two trumpets, horn, trombone and tuba, or a composition for that ensemble

string quintet

An ensemble usually consisting of two violins, two violas and cello, or a composition for that ensemble. Schubert's string quintet uses the unusual ensemble of two violins, viola and two cellos. Occasionally composers will use two violins, viola, cello and double bass

string trio

An ensemble usually consisting of violin, viola and cello, or a composition for that ensemble. Occasionally two violins and cello, or two violins and viola

obbligato, Obligato (It., Ger.)

An essential part that should not be omitted. More recently this term has come to mean a part that can be freely omitted if necessary

bravo (It.)

An exclamation of approval

cantus firmus (Lat.)

An existing melody that is used as the theme of a polyphonic piece. Literally means "fixed song"

jam

An improvisation by a jazz of rock group

cither, cithern, cittern

An instrument similar to a lute or guitar that was used in the 16th and 17th centuries

synthesizer

An instrument that electronically creates and manipulates sounds

electronic instrument

An instrument whose sound is completely or partially created by an electronic device or is electronically amplified

suite (Fr.)

An instrumental composition consisting of a number of short movements usually in dance forms such as the allemande, courante, sarabande and gigue

overture

An instrumental composition used as an introduction to a ballet, opera or oratorio

lullaby

An instrumental or vocal cradle song

capriccio, caprice (It.)

An instrumental piece in a free form

entr'acte (Fr.)

An instrumental piece performed between acts of a play, opera or ballet

quarter tone

An interval equal to one-half of a half step

compound interval

An interval greater than an octave

augmented interval

An interval raised by a half step

microtone

An interval smaller than a half step

intrada (It.)

An introduction or opening movement

Pralltriller (Ger.)

An inverted mordent

serpent

An obsolete bass cornett used from the late 16th to the middle 19th centuries

contra (It.)

An octave below. Literally means "against"

consort

An old English term for chamber group

common time

4/4 meter. The time signature used is C

sound hole

An opening cut into the belly of a stringed instrument

idée fixe

A "fixed idea" or recurring theme in a piece

feedback

A "whining" sound created when sound being output is fed back through the input during amplification. This sound is often used by guitarists as an effect

faburden

A 15th-century English compositional technique where parallel thirds and sixths are used

branle (Fr.)

A 15th-century dance usually in duple time

masque, mask

A 16th- and 17th-century stage production that combines acting, dancing, music and poetry, presented lavishly for the nobility

courante (Fr.)

A 16th-century French dance in triple meter that later became a standard suite movement

bourrée (Fr.)

A 17th-century French dance in a quick 2/4 or 4/4 time that usually begins on an upbeat

csárdás, czardas

A 19th-century Hungarian dance in two parts. The first part is a slow introduction (lassù) and the second part is in a quick duple time (friss)

barrel organ

A 19th-century portable organ

Six, Les

A 20th century group of six French composers who loosely followed the aesthetic ideals of Erik Satie. They were Georges Auric, Louis Durey, Arthur Honegger, Darius Mildhaud, Francis Poulenc and Germaine Tailleferre

serial music

A 20th-century compositional style where all structural and thematic material is derived from a series of notes chosen from the 12 tones of the chromatic scale. This term is sometimes used interchangeably with twelve-tone or dodecaphonic music

pointillism

A 20th-century compositional style where emphasis is placed on single notes

Klangfarbenmelodie (Ger.)

A 20th-century compositional style where melodies are created from tone colors rather than pitches

pandiatonicism

A 20th-century compositional technique using the free harmonization of the diatonic scale

neoclassicism

A 20th-century revival of forms and ideas of the classical period

cornet, cornetta

A B-flat brass instrument similar to a trumpet with three valves and a conical bore

bossa nova (Port.)

A Brazilian dance popular in the late 1950s and 1960s

skiffle

A British style of popular music of the 1950s, influenced by jazz and blues

sheng

A Chinese mouth organ that consists of bamboo pipes containing free reeds that are inserted into an air chamber in the form of a circle. The Japanese version is called a shō

litany

A Christian prayer of supplication usually sung by a priest and answered by the congregation

rasgado, rasgueado (Sp.)

A Flamenco guitar technique where the strings are rapidly strummed with the backs of the fingernails

française (Fr.)

A French country dance in triple meter

minuet

A French country dance in triple meter. Frequently used as the third movement of symphonies and other forms of the classical period

cancan (Fr.)

A French dance in a fast 2/4 time, popular in the 19th century

gavotte (Fr.)

A French dance of the 17th century in duple meter that begins on the upbeat

double horn

A French horn that has the tubing of both an F and B-flat horn. The different sets of tubing are selected by use of a fourth valve

quadrille (Fr.)

A French, 19th-century square dance in five sections that alternate between 6/8 and 2/4 time

reggae

A Jamaican popular music originating in the 1960s which was influenced by many diverse African and African-American musical styles

shakuhachi (Jap.)

A Japanese bamboo end-blown flute with five finger holes

biwa (Jap.)

A Japanese lute

Shamisen (Jap.)

A Japanese lute with three strings and a soundbox covered with a skin

koto (Jap.)

A Japanese stringed instrument similar to a zither

cha-cha

A Latin American dance with an insistent rhythm. Also called the cha-cha-cha

maracas

A Latin American percussion instrument consisting of a pair of gourds filled with seeds which are shaken

salsa

A Latin-American style of popular music that combines Latin and rock music

sequencer

A MIDI device that records and plays back musical information through a synthesizer

jarábe (Sp.)

A Mexican dance in moderate tempo

mazurka (Pol.)

A Polish folk dance in triple meter characterized by accents on weak beats and dotted rhythms

anthem

A Protestant choral composition, with religious text

gospel song

A Protestant hymn

Krummhorn (Ger.)

A Renaissance double reed woodwind instrument

domra

A Russian stringed instrument similar to a balalaika used during the 16th and 17th centuries

dumka (Pol.)

A Slavonic folk ballad

paso doble (Sp.)

A Spanish dance in a quick 2/4 or 6/8 time popular in the 1920s

bolero (Sp.)

A Spanish dance usually in 3/4 time

guaracha

A Spanish folk dance in two sections, one in triple meter, the other in duple meter

vihuela (Sp.)

A Spanish lute of the Renaissance

gopak

A Ukranian folk dance in a quick 2/4 time. Sometimes spelled hopak

mambo

A West-Indian ballroom dance similar to the cha-cha and rumba

divertissement (Fr.)

A ballet, dance or entr'acte in an opera that is not essential to the plot

fox trot

A ballroom dance in duple meter that originated in the United States around 1913

heckelphone

A baritone oboe with a range one octave below the oboe

concerto grosso (It.)

A baroque concerto that uses a full orchestra (ripieno) and a group of soloists (concertino)

basso ostinatio

A bass part of a composition that is repeated

figured bass

A bass part with numbers that indicate the intervals of harmony that are to be played above the bass note. Figured bass was used by keyboard players in the baroque period to create accompaniments

pulse

A beat

Glocke (Ger.)

A bell

rounded binary

A binary form with a repeat of the first section: ABA

ocarina (It.)

A bird-shaped wind instrument with finger holes and a whistle mouthpiece

martelé, martellato (Fr., It.)

A bowing technique where short strokes are released suddenly which produces a marked staccato

brace

A bracket connecting two or more staves

baritone horn

A brass instrument in the baritone range with three valves that is used in orchestras and bands

mellophone

A brass instrument similar to a French horn but with a forward-facing bell to facilitate marching

euphonium

A brass instrument similar to a baritone horn but with a larger bore and four valves

flugelhorn

A brass instrument similar to a cornet, but with a larger bore and a mellow tone

circular breathing

A breathing technique used by wind instrument players where air is inhaled through the nose at the same time air is expelled from the mouth. This technique allows for sound to be sustained for an indefinite length of time

signal horn

A bugle

key bugle

A bugle that uses keys to alter its pitch

Landini cadence

A cadence named after the medieval composer Francesco Landini characterized by the sixth degree of the scale inserted between the leading tone and the tonic

evaded cadence

A cadence that does not resolve where it is expected to resolve

imperfect cadence

A cadence that ends on a dominant chord

authentic cadence

A cadence that ends with the dominant (V) chord progressing to the tonic (I) chord

incomplete cadence

A cadence where the highest note of the tonic chord is not the keynote

perfect cadence

A cadence where the progression moves from a root-position dominant chord to the root-position tonic chord (V-I)

plagal cadence

A cadence where the progression moves from a subdominant chord to the tonic chord (IV-I). It is sometimes called an Amen cadence

crab canon

A canon in which one part is played backwards—retrograde

mirror canon

A canon that sounds the same whether performed backwards or forwards

inverted canon

A canon that uses melodic inversion

perpetual canon

A canon whose ending leads back to the beginning so it can be repeated indefinitely

fanfare

A ceremonial prelude or flourish commonly played by brass instruments

Italian sixth

A chord consisting of a major third (doubled) and an augmented sixth above the bass

German sixth

A chord consisting of a major third, perfect fifth and augmented sixth above the bass. Sometimes called an "augmented six-five-three"

dominant seventh chord

A chord consisting of a root, major third, perfect fifth and minor seventh. The C dominant seventh chord is C, E, G and B-flat

diminished seventh chord

A chord consisting of a root, minor third, diminished fifth and diminished seventh. The E diminished seventh chord is E, G, B-flat, and D-flat

seventh chord

A chord consisting of a root, third, fifth and seventh degrees

French sixth

A chord consisting of major third, augmented fifth and augmented sixth above the bass. Sometimes called an "augmented six-four-three"

ninth chord

A chord consisting of the root, third, fifth, seventh and ninth

altered chord

A chord in which one or more notes have been raised or lowered chromatically

fourth chord

A chord made up of intervals of a fourth

cent

"Hundreth." A unit of measuring intervals in music. Each half step (semitone) is made up of 100 cents

fiato (It.)

"Stromenti a fiato" are wind instruments. Literally means "breath"

coll', colla (It.)

"With the"

turnaround

A chord or group of chords that takes you back to the beginning of a progression

roller chord

A chord preceded by a wavy line that indicates it is to be played as an arpeggio from the lowest note to the highest

come sopra (It.)

As above

ut supra (Lat.)

As above, as before

come prima (It.)

As before

quasi (It.)

As if, almost

tanto (It.)

As much, so much, too much

staccatissimo (It.)

As staccato as possible

All'ottava (It.)

At the octave. Play the passage one octave higher than written

a, à (It., Fr.)

At, by, for, in, to, with

B (Ger.)

B-flat

misura (It.)

Bar, measure

estinto (It.)

Barely audible, as soft as possible

rudiments

Basic elements of drum techniques including the drag, flam, paradiddle, ratamacue, roll and ruff

basso (It.)

Bass

gran cassa (It.)

Bass drum

grosse caisse (Fr.)

Bass drum

bombard

Bass shawm

Fagott (Ger.)

Bassoon

tacet (Lat.)

Be silent. In an orchestral or vocal part, it indicates that the performer does not play or sing a movement or section

temps (Fr.)

Beat, tempo

accelerando (It.)

Becoming gradually faster. Abbreviated accel.

slentando (It.)

Becoming gradually slower

rallentando (It.)

Becoming gradually slower. Abbreviated rall.

ritardando (It.)

Becoming gradually slower. Abbreviated rit.

lentando (It.)

Becoming slower

allargando (It.)

Becoming slower and broader

diluendo (It.)

Becoming softer

campana (It.)

Bell

cloches (Fr.)

Bells, chimes

bravura (It.)

Boldness, virtuosity. A piece requiring technical proficiency

arcato (It.)

Bowed. To bow a stringed instrument

Blechinstrumente (Ger.)

Brass instruments

Wagner tubas

Brass instruments that appear similar to a baritone horn but are actually modified French horns which are available as a B-flat tenor and an F bass

valve instruments

Brass instruments with valves

brillánte (It.)

Brilliant

krakowiak (Pol.)

Brisk Polish dance in 2/4 time

breit (Ger.)

Broad

largamente (It.)

Broadly, largely

bruscamente (It.)

Brusquely, accented

ma (It.)

But

pacato (It.)

Calm

ruhig (Ger.)

Calm

placido (It.)

Calm, placid, tranquil

riposo (It.)

Calm, tranquil

capriccioso (It.)

Capricious, lively, fanciful

steel drum

Caribbean percussion instrument made of an oil drum that is intended so as to create different pitches when struck in specific places

Kammer (Ger.)

Chamber

sonata da camera

Chamber sonata

muta (It.)

Change. Indicates to change the note of a timpani or the change of the key of a brass instrument

stopped

Changing the pitch and tone quality of a horn by inserting a hand into the bell

scordatura (It.)

Changing the standard tuning of one or more strings on a stringed instrument in order to play unusual chords, difficult passages or to alter the tone color

caccia (It.)

Chase or hunt. A two-part canon where the voices "chase" each other

allegro (It.)

Cheerful, quick or fast

choeur (Fr.)

Choir, chorus

accord, accordo (Fr., It.)

Chord

coro (It.)

Chorus or choir

Byzantine chant

Christian church chants similar to Gregorian chant from the Byzantine Empire (330-1453 A.D.)

noël (Fr.)

Christmas carol or song

sonata da chiesa

Church sonata

chiusa, chiuso (It.)

Closed

bocca chiusa (It.)

Closed mouth. Singing or humming with the mouth closed

consonance

Combinations of notes that produce the feeling of rest. When no further harmonic progression is necessary. Consonant intervals are major and minor thirds and sixths, and perfect fourths, fifths and octaves

còmodo (It.)

Comfortable, leisurely

buffo, buffa (It.)

Comical

basso buffo (It.)

Comical bass voice in an opera

C

Common or 4/4 time

counterpoint

Composing with two or more melodies that are to be played simultaneously. Literally "note against note"

Konzertstück (Ger.)

Concert piece

Kapellmeister (Ger.)

Conductor or director

attacca (It.)

Continue immediately to next section or movement without a break

simile (It.)

Continue to perform in the same style. Abbreviated sim.

invertible counterpoint

Contrapuntal music written so that the lower part can also be played above the upper part

patch cords

Cords used in recording to route signals to and from recorders, mixers, computers and other devices

claves

Cuban percussion instruments consisting of cylindrical wooden blocks that are struck together

cinelli (It.)

Cymbals

piatti (It.)

Cymbals

Tanz (Ger.)

Dance

ballo (It.)

Dance

danse, danza (Fr.)

Dance

deciso (It.)

Decided, bold, with decision

bassa (It.)

Deep or low. The marking 8va bassa (or 8vb) means to play the indicated music one octave lower than it is written

delicato (It.)

Delicately

détaché (Fr.)

Detached bowing

peg

Device on stringed instruments that is used to adjust the tension of a string

instrument

Devices or objects that produce musical sounds

overdrive

Distortion, which is used as an effect, created by overloading an amplifier

divisi (It.)

Divided. Indicates that when two or more parts are written on one staff, they are to be played by separate performers. Abbreviated div.

Doppel (Ger.)

Double

contrafagotto (It.)

Double bassoon—contrabassoon

doppio (It.)

Double, twice

downbeat

Downward motion of a conductor's hand that indicates the first beat of a measure

cassa (It.)

Drum

tambour (Fr.)

Drum

tamburo (It.)

Drum

secco (It.)

Dry, simple

mancando (It.)

Dying away

morendo (It.)

Dying away

perdendosi (It.)

Dying away

fortepiano (It.)

Early name for the piano

facile (It.)

Easy

ecco, eco (It.)

Echo

croche (Fr.)

Eighth note

effects

Electronic device that alters the characteristics of an audio signal

distortion

Electronic effect that alters the sound of an amplified instrument by making it sound less clear

augmentation

Elongating the duration of notes

appoggiando (It.)

Emphasized

vide (Fr.)

Empty, open

altra volta (It.)

Encore

fin (Fr.)

End

fine (It.)

End

anglaise (Fr.)

English

contradanza

English country dance

cor anglais (Fr.)

English horn

dump, domp, dumpe

English instrumental music of the 16th and early 17th centuries

assez (Fr.)

Enough, fairly

giusto (It.)

Exact, strict

espressivo (It.)

Expressive. Abbreviated espress.

smorzando (It.)

Fading away

verhallend (Ger.)

Fading away

leno (It.)

Faint, quiet

rasch (Ger.)

Fast

schnell (Ger.)

Fast

coloratura (It.)

Fast, ornamented, virtuoso-like vocal music

corona

Fermata

fuoco

Fire, passion

primo (It.)

First

quintuplet

Five notes played in the time of four notes of the same value

flauto (It.)

Flute

Volkslied (Ger.)

Folk song

ripieno (It.)

For the full orchestra as opposed to the soloists

à deux, a due (Fr., It.)

For two instruments or voices, abbreviated a2. When two parts are written on one stave, it indicates that both are to play in unison

quadruplet

Four notes played in the time of three notes of the same value

liberamente (It.)

Freely

Benedictus

From the Mass, the conclusion of the Sanctus. Literally, "blessed"

da capo (It.)

From the head or from the beginning. Go back to the beginning

plein-jeu (Fr.)

Full organ

funèbre (Fr.)

Funeral

Klarinette

German for clarinet

Ballade (Ger.)

German vocal or instrumental pieces based on historical or legendary subjects

dal segno (It.)

Go back and play from the sign. Abbreviated D.S.

dal segno al fine (It.)

Go back to the D.S. and play to the "Fine," which is the end of the piece

dal segno al coda (It.)

Go back to the D.S. and play to the "To Coda" indication, then skip down to the Coda

da capo al fine (It.)

Go back to the beginning of the piece and play to the "Fine," which is the end of the piece

da capo al coda (It.)

Go back to the beginning of the piece and play to the "To Coda" indication, then skip down to the Coda

al segno (It.)

Go to the sign

grazia, grazioso (It.)

Grace

crescendo (It.)

Gradually becoming louder. Abbreviated cresc.

tardando (It.)

Gradually becoming slower

decrescendo (It.)

Gradually becoming softer. Abbreviated decresc.

diminuendo (It.)

Gradually becoming softer. Abbreviated dim.

calando (It.)

Gradually diminishing, becoming softer and sometimes slower

largando (It.)

Gradually slowing down

grandioso (It.)

Grand, majestic

grosso, grosse (It., Ger.)

Great, large

clusters

Groups of notes a major or minor second apart that are played simultaneously

chitarra (It.)

Guitar

demi- (Fr.)

Half

mezza voce (It.)

Half voice. Half the volume

mezza, mezzo (It.)

Half, moderately

main (Fr.)

Hand

mano (It.)

Hand

mouth organ

Harmonica

modality

Harmonies and/or melodies based on the modes

quintal harmony

Harmony based on the interval of a fifth

quartal harmony

Harmony based on the interval of a fourth

tertian harmony

Harmony based on thirds or triads

Harfe (Ger.)

Harp

arpa (It.)

Harp

arpeggiato, arpeggiando (It.)

Harp-like, arpeggiated

cembalo (It.)

Harpsichord

clavecin (Fr.)

Harpsichord

gravicembalo (It.)

Harpsichord

duramente (It.)

Harshly

lourde (Fr.)

Heavy

pesante (It.)

Heavy

ritenuto (It.)

Held back. Becoming slower immediately. Abbreviated riten.

eroica (it.)

Heroic

Heldentenor (Ger.)

Heroic tenor. A tenor with a robust voice, used for singing highly demanding operatic roles

haut, haute (Fr.)

High

ober (Ger.)

Higher

heavy metal

Highly amplified style of rock music popular from the late 1960s through the 1980s

rococo (Fr.)

Highly ornamented music of the middle 18th century

cor (Fr.)

Horn

corno (It.)

Horn

giocoso (It.)

Humorous

Jagd- (Ger.)

Hunt

affrettando (It.)

Hurrying

hastig (Ger.)

Hurrying

slancio (It.)

Impetuously, outburst, dash

tonal and real

In a fugue, a real answer is an exact transposition of the subject; a tonal answer is not exact

answer

In a fugue, the second entry of the subject which is at a different pitch than the first entry

moderato (It.)

In a moderate tempo

religioso (It.)

In a religious style

imitation

In contrapuntal music, the same theme, subject, melody or motive repeated in a different part either with or without modification

cambiata (It.)

In counterpoint, a dissonant note followed by the interval of a third. Also called a change note

delay

In electronic music, a device that produces effects such as echo

continuous controllers

In electronic music, adjustments to MIDI codes which are made by moving levers, pedals, sliders or wheels

compression

In electronic music, to reduce the extreme louds and softs of the dynamic range

barre (Fr.)

In guitar or lute playing, the fretting of several strings with one finger. Literally means "bar"

escape tone

In harmony, a nonharmonic tone approached by a step and left by a leap in the opposite direction

rhythm section

In jazz and popular music, the instruments that sustain the rhythmic and harmonic support for the other instrumentalists, usually consisting of drums, piano, bass and guitar

comp.

In jazz, short for accompany. An improvised chordal accompaniment usually played by a pianist or guitarist

trading fours/eighths

In jazz, when different performers alternate improvisations either four or eight measures long

pivot chord

In modulation, a chord that is common to both the old key and the new key

M

In organ music, the abbreviation for manual

col legno (It.)

In string playing, playing with the wood (bow-stick) part of the bow

harmonizer

In synthesis, a device that electronically changes the pitch of sounds

potentiometer

In synthesis, a nob, fader or other device used to control a signal

ASDR

In synthesis, the abbreviation for "attack, decay, sustain, release"

VCA

In synthesis, the abbreviation for "voltage-controlled amplifier," which controls the signal level

VCF

In synthesis, the abbreviation for "voltage-controlled filter," which controls the harmonic content of a signal

VCO

In synthesis, the abbreviation for "voltage-controlled oscillator," which controls the frequency of a signal

envelope

In synthesis, the shape of a sound's amplitude over time

cappella

In the church style

al, all', alla, alle (It.)

In the style of

ballabile (It.)

In the style of a dance

contrapuntal

In the style of counterpoint

viola (It.)

In the violin family, an instrument slightly larger and tuned a fifth lower than the violin

fixed-do

In this system, the note C is always called do, as opposed to the system of movable-do

purfling

Inlaid borders on stringed instruments

stromento (It.)

Instrument

ricercar, ricercare (It.)

Instrumental compositions of the 16th and 17th centuries that use imitation

absolute music

Instrumental music without extramusical associations, as opposed to program music

estampie (Fr.)

Instrumental or vocal dance music from the 13th and 14th centuries

bandola (Sp.)

Instruments in the lute family that are similar to the mandolin

transposing instruments

Instruments that produce a note different from the written note. For example, a B-flat trumpet plays a written C, but it sounds B-flat

aerophones

Instruments that produce sounds through the vibration of air

membranophones

Instruments that produce sounds through the vibrations of a membrane or drumhead

stringed instruments

Instruments whose sounds are created by bowing, plucking or striking a stretched string

chordophones

Instruments whose sounds are created by means of strings stretched between two points

percussion instruments

Instruments whose sounds are created by striking or shaking. They include drums, cymbals, tambourine, bells, triangle, piano, etc. They can create definite pitch (notes) or indefinite pitch (sounds)

wind instruments

Instruments whose sounds are created through an enclosed column of air including brass and woodwind instruments

madrigal

Italian vocal music through the 14th and 16th centuries, usually unaccompanied. English madrigals were also written during the 16th and 17th centuries

scherzando, scherzhaft (It., Ger.)

Jokingly, playful

Freude (Ger.)

Joy

lieto (It.)

Joyful

jubiloso (It.)

Jubilant

K

K numbers are used instead of opus numbers for the following two composers; 1. The abbreviation for Köchel, the cataloguer of Mozart's works; 2. The abbreviation for Kirkpatrick, the cataloguer of Domenico Scarlatti's works

gemendo (It.)

Lamenting

gran, grand', grande (It.)

Large, great

timpani

Large, tunable drums shaped like kettles and made of copper or brass with plastic or vellum heads. They are available in various sizes (usually in pairs) and played with two mallets. Sometimes called kettledrums

sinistra (It.)

Left

geschleift (Ger.)

Legato

louré (Fr.)

Legato. A bowing that gives a slight separation to each note of a slurred passage

duration

Length

meno (It.)

Less

laisser vibrer (Fr.)

Let vibrate

licenza (It.)

License, freedom

lievo (It.)

Light

luftig (Ger.)

Light

agilità, agilité (It., Fr.)

Light or lively

leicht (Ger.)

Light, brisk

leggero, leggiero (It.)

Light, delicate

agilmente (It.)

Lightly

ars nova (Lat.)

Literally, "new art." Used to indicate the music of the 14th century, especially the music is Machaut and Landini

ars antiqua (Lat.)

Literally, "old art." Used to indicate music of the 12th and 13th centuries, especially the music of Leonin and Perotin

petit (Fr.)

Little

nach und nach (Ger.)

Little by little

peu à peu (Fr.)

Little by little

poco a poco (It.)

Little by little

lebendig (Ger.)

Lively

lebhaft (Ger.)

Lively

lesto (It.)

Lively, quick

vivace (It.)

Lively, quick

vivo (It.)

Lively, spirited

lunga, lungo (It.)

Long

forte (It.)

Loud, abbreviated f

amore (It.)

Love

Laute (Ger.)

Lute

liuto (It.)

Lute

arioso (It.)

Lyrically

note on/note off

MIDI codes that instruct when a note starts and ends

velocity

MIDI codes that transmit dynamics

maestoso (It.)

Majestic

pomposo (It.)

Majestic, pompous

dur (Ger.)

Major

maggiore (It.)

Major

majeur (Fr.)

Major

parallel keys

Major or minor keys with the same keynote

Marsch (Ger.)

March

marcia (It.)

March

marziale (It.)

Martial

missa (Lat.)

Mass

maestro (It.)

Master. A title given to respected composers, conductors or teachers

liturgical drama

Medieval plays representing Biblical stories with monophonic music

malinconico (It.)

Melancholy

skip

Melodic movement of an interval larger than a second

melodia (It.)

Melody

lustig (Ger.)

Merry, cheerful

fingerpicks

Metal or plastic picks that attach to each finger of the picking hand of a guitar or banjo player

mineur (Fr.)

Minor

moll (Ger.)

Minor

relative keys

Minor and major keys that have the same key signature. For example C major and A minor are relative keys

diminished interval

Minor or perfect intervals lowered by a half step

Mässig (Ger.)

Moderate

gemässigt (Ger.)

Moderate

mezzo forte (It.)

Moderately loud, abbreviated mf

mezzo piano (It.)

Moderately soft, abbreviated mp

più (It.)

More

melisma

More than one note sung to one syllable

Matins (Fr.)

Morning prayer

moto (It.)

Motion

flebile (It.)

Mournful

lamento, lamentoso (It.)

Mournful

lacrimoso (It.)

Mournful, tearful

bocca (It.)

Mouth

mosso (It.)

Moved, agitated

Satz (Ger.)

Movement

disjunct motion

Moving by leaps

modern

Music composed during the 20th century, also known as contemporary music

film music

Music composed or adapted for a film

musique concrète (Fr.)

Music created by preparing recorded and natural and man-made sounds

chamber music

Music for a small ensemble where each part is played only by one performer and suitable for a small room

Janizary music

Music imitating Turkey military bands. Also spelled Janissary

barcarolle (Fr.)

Music in the style of songs sung by Venetian gondoliers, usually in 6/8 time

third-stream

Music influenced by both classical and jazz styles

program music

Music inspired by a non-musical idea, as opposed to absolute music

electronic music

Music partially or completely created, manipulated or reproduced by electronic devices including electronic instruments, synthesizers and recording equipment

improvisation

Music that is created spontaneously

chiesa (It.)

Music to be played in the church as opposed to camera which is to be played outside the church. Literally means "church"

camera (It.)

Music to be played outside of the church, as opposed to chiesa which is to be played in the church. Literally means "chamber"

homophony

Music with one melodic part that is supported by a chordal accompaniment

atonal

Music without a tonal center or key

incidental music

Music written for a play

idiomatic style

Music written with a complete understanding of the technical strengths and weaknesses of the instrument(s)

bridge passage

Musical material that connects two themes. A transition

Dampfer (Ger.)

Mute

sordino (It.)

Mute. Abbreviated sord.

gedämpft (Ger.)

Muted

étouffé (Fr.)

Muted, damped

misterioso (It.)

Mysteriously

Nachtmusik (Ger.)

Night music. A serenade

nobile (It.)

Noble

non (It.)

Not

neumes

Notational symbols used during the Middle Ages

mode

Notes arranged into a specific scale

harmonics

Notes of the harmonic series which are very clean and pure

nonharmonic notes

Notes that are not part of the harmony at that moment

embellishment

Notes which are added to ornament a melody

niente (It.)

Nothing, silence. Abbreviated N

hautbois, hautboy (Fr.)

Oboe

ottava (It.)

Octave

di (It.)

Of, from, with, to

ab (Ger.)

Off

cornopean

Old name for a cornet

Capellmeister (Ger.)

Old spelling of Kapellmeister

double tounging

On a flute or brass instrument, the tonguing of rapid passages by silently pronouncing ta-ka

triple tonguing

On a flute or brass instrument, the tonguing of rapid passages by silently pronouncing ta-ta-ka, or ta-ka-ta

damper pedal

On a piano, the pedal on the right that allows the strings to vibrate

sympathetic string

On some stringed instruments, a string that is not bowed, plucked or struck, but vibrates along with those that are

artificial harmonic

On stringed instruments, a harmonic played on a fingered or fretted string, rather than an open string

sul (It.)

On the

am Steg (Ger.)

On the bridge

a due corde (It.)

On two strings

sur (Fr.)

On, over

semitone

One half step

degree

One of the notes of a diatonic scale which is assigned a number by counting up from the keynote

anticipation

One or more nonharmonic tones played before the chord in which it belongs

stanza (It.)

One poetic section of a song

ad libitum, ad lib. (Lat.)

Optional, or at will. The performer may omit a section, improvise freely, or alter the tempo

O (It.)

Or

oder (Ger.)

Or

Gagaku (Jap.)

Orchestral music of the Japanese court that dates back to the 8th century

Orgel (Ger.)

Organ

chorale prelude

Organ music based on a chorale or hymn tune

flue pipes

Organ pipes that create sounds without the use of reeds

music

Organized sound

breve

Originally considered the shortest note value. Since the 16th century it is the longest note value, equaling two whole notes

abellimenti (It.)

Ornaments or embellishments

gruppetto, groppo, gruppo (It.)

Ornaments or groups of grace notes

resonator

Part of an instrument that reinforces its sound by resonance

passione (It.)

Passion

calore (It.)

Passion, warmth

appassionato (It.)

Passionately

bones

Percussion instrument consisting of two bones or sticks which are clicked together

metallophone

Percussion instrument with tuned metal bars

drum

Percussion instruments consisting of a cylindrical wood or metal body with a membrane head stretched over one or both ends which is struck by a drumstick, mallet or brushes to produce sounds

temple blocks

Percussion instruments made of hollow blocks of wood which are struck with a drumstick

tuned percussion

Percussion instruments that create a definite pitch

tonal

Pertaining to a tone, key or mode

modal

Pertaining to the modes

Hammerclavier (Ger.)

Pianoforte

pezzo (It.)

Piece

Stück (Ger.)

Piece, composition

morceau (Fr.)

Piece, composition

pezzi (It.)

Pieces

prepared piano

Placing foreign objects such as screws, paper, felt, etc. onto the strings of a piano in order to alter the sound

ottava alta (It.)

Play an octave higher. Abbreviated 8va

ottava bassa (It.)

Play an octave lower. Abbreviated 8va bassa or 8va placed below the note(s)

loco (It.)

Play as written. Usually follows a passage marked 8va or 8vb. Literally means "place"

sul ponticello (It.)

Play on or near the bridge

sul tasto (It.)

Play on the fingerboard

coll'ottava (It.)

Play the written notes and those notes one octave higher

coll'ottava bassa (It.)

Play the written notes and those notes one octave lower

double time

Play twice as fast

straight eighths

Playing eighth notes as written, not in a swing time style

sight-reading, sight-singing

Playing, or singing a piece of music at first sight—without previous rehearsal

punta (It.)

Point

surf music

Popular music of the 1960s and 1970s associated with the sport of surfing

preciso (It.)

Precise

praeludium (Lat.)

Prelude

Vorspiel (Ger.)

Prelude, overture

pronto (It.)

Prompt, swift

crotchet

Quarter note

musica ficta

Questionable chromatic alterations used in the performance of music from the 10th through the 16th centuries. In modern editions, they are shown as accidentals placed above the notes

celere (It.)

Quick

tosto (It.)

Quick, fast

stringendo (It.)

Quickening the tempo

echo, eco (Eng., It.)

Quiet repetition of a previous phrase

calma, calmando, calmato (It.)

Quieting, calming

augmented

Raised

veloce (It.)

Rapid, fast

monotone

Reciting liturgical text on one pitch

flûte à bec (Fr.)

Recorder

sacred

Religious

Flemish school

Renaissance composers from the Netherlands and Belgium who developed the polyphonic style of that period. Notable composers include Ockeghem and des Pres

replica (It.)

Repeat

reprise (Fr.)

Repetition

unruhig (Ger.)

Restless

a tempo (It.)

Return to the original tempo or speed

ritmo (It.)

Rhythm

cadenzato (It.)

Rhythmical

destra (It.)

Right

droit, droite (Fr.)

Right, rights

Gregorian chant

Roman Catholic liturgical chants developed by Pope Gregory I

rustico (It.)

Rustic, pastoral

conductus

Sacred or secular Latin songs written in the 12th century

psalm

Sacred songs or hymns based on the poems in the Book of Psalms

mesto (It.)

Sad

afflitto (It.)

Sad, melancholy

wehmütig (Ger.)

Sad, melancholy

istesso (It.)

Same

stesso (It.)

Same

church modes

Scales originally used in medieval church music. These modes include the Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian, Locrian and Ionian modes

raga

Scales used in the music of India which are associated with different moods

partition, Partitur, partitura (Fr., Ger., It.)

Score

sereno (It.)

Serene, tranquil

seria, serio (It.)

Serious

septuplet

Seven notes played in the time of four (or six) notes of the same value

tone cluster

Several consecutive diatonic or chromatic notes played simultaneously. On a keyboard instrument a tone cluster is played with a fist or arm

dièse, diesis (Fr., Ger.)

Sharp

accidentals

Sharps, double sharps, flats, double flats or natural signs used to raise, lower, or return a note to its normal pitch. Their effect lasts through the remainder of the same measure.

kurz (Ger.)

Short

ledger lines

Short horizontal lines used to extend a staff either higher or lower

bagatelle (Fr.)

Short instrumental pieces

mezzo staccato (It.)

Short, but not as short as staccato. Indicated by a dot and a slur or a dot and a tenuto mark

staccato (It.)

Short, detached. Indicated by a dot over or under the note

diminution

Shortening the duration of notes

segno (It.)

Sign. A sign used to indicate the beginning or ending of a section that is to be repeated

signature

Signs at the beginning of a composition or staff that indicate the key or meter

repeat

Signs that indicate a musical section should be repeated

semplice (It.)

Simple

backup group

Singers that accompany a lead vocalist

cantabile (It.)

Singing

polychords

Single chords created by combining two or more chords

sextuplet

Six notes played in the time of four notes of the same value. The first, third and fifth notes should be accented, as opposed to playing as a double triplet

double croche (Fr.)

Sixteenth note

hemidemisemiquaver

Sixty-fourth note

blues harp

Slang for a diatonic harmonica

traps

Slang for a drum set

axe

Slang for a musical instrument

gig

Slang for a musical job

chart(s)

Slang for a musical score and/or parts

chops

Slang for a musician's technique

demo

Slang for a recording that is used to demonstrate a performer's talents or a composer's music. Short for "demonstration"

combo

Slang for a small group of musicians, usually less than six

clam

Slang for a wrong note

changes

Slang for chord progression

licks

Slang for short melodic phrases

bottleneck

Slang for the glass or metal tube that is placed over a finger of the fretting hand of a guitarist playing slide guitar

fiddle

Slang for violin

langsam (Ger.)

Slow

lento (It.)

Slow

steso (It.)

Slow

cédez (Fr.)

Slow down

grave (It.)

Slow, heavy, solemn

tardo, tardamente (It.)

Slow, slowly

allentando (It.)

Slowing

stirato (It.)

Slowing down, dragging

lentamente (It.)

Slowly

bongos

Small Cuban drums where two drums of different sizes are joined together and played with the thumb and fingers of each hand

finger cymbals

Small cymbals in pairs that are placed on the fingers and struck together

hammer

Small felt-covered hammers that strike the strings of a piano

camerata (It.)

Small schools of writers and musicians in the 16th century

tom-tom

Small tunable drums, played with the hands, drumsticks, mallets or brushes

crotales

Small tuned cymbals

kleine (Ger.)

Small, little

diminished

Smaller

minor

Smaller. A term used to describe chords, intervals and scales

liscio (It.)

Smooth, even

Aufschwung (Ger.)

Soaring

leise (Ger.)

Soft

brushes

Soft wire brushes used in place of drumsticks to strike percussion instruments

sanft (Ger.)

Soft, gentle

leiser

Softer

etwas (Ger.)

Somewhat

Gesang (Ger.)

Song

cancón

Song

chanson (Fr.)

Song

melos (Gr.)

Song

Lied, Lieder (Ger.)

Song, songs. Commonly refers to 19th-century German art songs

through-composed

Songs with new music composed for each stanza

sonora, sonore, sonoro (It.)

Sonorous

dolente (It.)

Sorrowful

doloroso (It.)

Sorrowful, grieved

Klang (Ger.)

Sound

high fidelity

Sounds reproduced electronically with a very high quality

Sprechgesang, Sprechstimme (Ger.)

Speech-voice. A vocal technique halfway between singing and speaking

anima (It.)

Spirit, life

spirito, spiritoso (It.)

Spirit, spirited

ardito (It.)

Spirited, bold

würdig (Ger.)

Stately, dignified

bouché (Fr.)

Stopped notes on a horn. Literally means "closed"

gestopft (Ger.)

Stopped. The muting of a horn with the hand that produces a "buzzing" sound

tempestoso (It.)

Stormy, passionately

betont (Ger.)

Stressed, accented

Saite (Ger.)

String

corda, corde (It., Fr.)

String

Stil, stile (Ger., It.)

Style, styles

gusto (It.)

Style, zest

nuance

Subtle changes in musical expression including dynamics, phrasing and tempo

conjuct

Successive notes of a scale

subito (It.)

Suddenly

sostenuto (It.)

Sustained

dolce (It.)

Sweet

douce, deux (Fr.)

Sweet

soave (It.)

Sweet, gentle

lieblich (Ger.)

Sweet, lovely

solmization

Systems of designating syllables to the degrees of the scale

amabile (It.)

Tender, gentle

tempo marks

Terms, such as allegro, used to indicate the speed or tempo of a piece

secular

That which is not sacred

I (It.)

The

die (Ger.)

The

psalter

The Book of Psalms

alto clef

The C clef usually used by the viola, where middle C is found on the third line of the staff

tenor clef

The C clef where middle C is found on the fourth line of the staff

soprano clef

The C clef with the middle C on the first line of the staff

bass clef

The F clef on the fourth line of the staff

baritone clef

The F clef on the third line of the staff

treble clef

The G clef on the second line of the staff

shō

The Japanese version of the sheng

Requiem Mass

The Mass for the dead

Mass

The Roman Catholic church service that includes the Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, Benedictus and Agnus Dei

N.C.

The abbreviation for "no chord"

f

The abbreviation for forte

m.d.

The abbreviation for main droite or mano destra, both meaning right hand

m.g.

The abbreviation for main gauche, meaning left hand

m.s.

The abbreviation for mano sinistra, meaning left hand

m.v.

The abbreviation for mezza voce

mf

The abbreviation for mezzo forte

mp

The abbreviation for mezzo piano

Opp.

The abbreviation for opera, which is the plural of opus

Op.

The abbreviation for opus

P.

The abbreviation for pedal

ped.

The abbreviation for pedal

pp

The abbreviation for pianissimo

ppp

The abbreviation for pianississimo

p

The abbreviation for piano

ten.

The abbreviation for tenor or tenuto

aftertouch

The ability of an electronic keyboard to determine how hard a key is being depressed after it has been struck

multitimbral

The ability to play more than one sound simultaneously on a synthesizer

relative pitch

The ability to recognize and/or produce any pitch after having been given one note as a point of reference

absolute pitch

The ability to recognize the actual pitch of any note heard

equalization

The act of accurately balancing the frequencies of recorded or amplified sounds

attack

The act of beginning a note or phrase

instrumentation

The act of composing, arranging or orchestration music for instrument

trope

The addition of words and/or music to a Gregorian chant

ethos (Gr.)

The ancient Greek concept that each scale implies a different character or mood

reduction

The arrangement of a composition for a smaller number of instruments than originally intended

scale

The arrangement of notes in a specific order of whole and half steps

spacing

The arrangement of the notes in a chord

F clef

The bass clef

ophicleide

The bass key bugle. Parts originally written for the ophicleide are now played by the tuba

viola da gamba (It.)

The bass viol which was held between the knees in the same way a cellist holds a cello. Literally means "leg viol"

jeté (Fr.)

The bouncing of the bow on the string during a down bow so as to play a series of repeated notes

Steg (Ger.)

The bridge of a stringed instrument

ponticello (It.)

The bridge of a stringed instrument

MIDI In, Out, Thru

The cable ports that receive (In), transmit (Out) or pass through (Thru) MIDI data

shift, shifting

The changing of the position of the fingering hand of a stringed instrument

circle of fifths

The clockwise arrangement of successive keys arranged in order of ascending fifths

sonata rondo form

The combination of sonata and rondo forms usually with the following formula: if the complete form is ABACABA, then ABA=exposition, C=development, ABA=recapitulation

grand staff

The combination of the bass and treble staves which is commonly used to notate music for the piano

tympani

The common misspelling of timpani

movement

The complete and independent sections of a larger work such as a sonata, suite or symphony

bouts

The curved sides of stringed instruments which form a waist

sordini (It.)

The dampers on a piano

bore

The diameter of a woodwind or brass instrument

eleventh

The diatonic interval from the first to the eleventh notes of a scale

channel

The different pathways available when transmitting MIDI data

conductor

The director of a group of musicians

interval

The distance in pitch between two notes

track

The divisions of recordings medium that allow different musical parts or sounds to be added one, or more, at a time

contrabass

The double bass

audio

The electronic representation of sound

frog

The end of a bow that is held in the player's hand

tag

The ending of a composition

f-hole

The f-shaped holes found in many stringed instruments

woodwind family

The family of wind instruments that includes recorder, flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone and bassoon

brass instruments

The family of wind instruments with funnel-shaped mouthpieces that includes trumpet, cornet, bugle, Flugelhorn, alto horn, French horn, trombone, baritone horn, euphonium and tuba

prestissimo (It.)

The fastest tempo. Extremely fast

dominant

The fifth degree of a major or minor scale

Agnus Dei (Lat.)

The fifth part from the Ordinary of the Mass. Literally means "Lamb of God"

keynote

The first note of a scale or key

Kyrie (Gr.)

The first part of the Ordinary of the Mass. Literally means "Lord [have mercy]"

première (Fr.)

The first performance

concertmaster

The first violinist in an orchestra

Be (Ger.)

The flat sign

bémol (Fr.)

The flat sign

subdominant

The fourth degree of a major or minor scale

Sanctus (Lat.)

The fourth part of the Ordinary of the Mass

Offertory

The fourth part of the Roman Catholic Mass sung by the choir during the offering

pianoforte (It.)

The full name of the keyboard percussion instrument commonly known as the piano. Sound is produced by hammers that strike strings when keys are depressed on the keyboard. It literally means "soft-loud"

root

The fundamental note that gives a chord its name

decay

The gradual fading out of a sound

Burgundian school

The group of composers in the early 15th century who bridged the styles of the Ars Nova and the Flemish schools. Most notably the music of Guillaume Dufay

key signature

The group of sharps or flats that appears at the beginning of a staff which indicate the key

notehead

The head or main round part of a note

head voice

The higher register of a voice

soprano

The highest female singing voice

countertenor

The highest male singing voice

treble

The highest part in a choral composition

chanterelle (Fr.)

The highest string on a string instrument

Renaissance

The historical period of music roughly from 1450 to 1600

baroque

The historical period of music roughly from 1600 to 1750

romantic

The historical period of music roughly from 1820 to 1910. Composers of this period include Schubert, Schumann, Chopin, Brahms, Liszt, Wagner and Bruckner among many others

medieval

The historical period of music roughly from 500 to 1450. Also known as the Middle Ages

beam

The horizontal line that connects groups of eighth notes, sixteenth notes, thirty-second notes, etc., in place of flags

staff, staves

The horizontal lines on and between which notes are written. Normally there are five lines, but older systems of notation use different numbers of lines

bow

The implement used in string playing that vibrates the string and allows a note to be sustained. It is made from a wooden stick that is strung with horse hair. The end held by the hand is called the frog and the other end is called the tip

8vb

The incorrect symbol for 8va bassa or ottava bassa

loudness

The intensity of sound

quindicesima (It.)

The interval of a 15th (two octaves). Abbreviated 15ma

tritone

The interval of an augmented fourth or a diminished fifth

octave

The interval of eight diatonic steps or from one note to its nearest note of the same name. 12 half steps away

fifth

The interval of five diatonic steps

fourth

The interval of four diatonic steps

ninth

The interval of nine steps (an octave plus a second)

seventh

The interval of seven diatonic steps

tenth

The interval of ten steps (an octave plus a third)

third

The interval of three diatonic steps

twelfth

The interval of twelve steps (an octave plus a fifth)

second

The interval of two diatonic steps

A dur (Ger.)

The key of A major

A moll (Ger.)

The key of A minor

As dur (Ger.)

The key of A-flat major

H dur (Ger.)

The key of B major

H moll (Ger.)

The key of B minor

C dur (Ger.)

The key of C major

C moll (Ger.)

The key of C minor

Cis dur (Ger.)

The key of C-sharp major

Cis moll (Ger.)

The key of C-sharp minor

D dur (Ger.)

The key of D major

D moll (Ger.)

The key of D minor

Dis moll (Ger.)

The key of D-sharp minor

E dur (Ger.)

The key of E major

E moll (Ger.)

The key of E minor

Es dur (Ger.)

The key of E-flat major

Es moll (Ger.)

The key of E-flat minor

F dur (Ger.)

The key of F major

F moll (Ger.)

The key of F minor

Fis durr (Ger.)

The key of F-sharp major

Fis moll (Ger.)

The key of F-sharp minor

G dur (Ger.)

The key of G major

G moll (Ger.)

The key of G minor

Ges dur (Ger.)

The key of G-flat major

Ges moll (Ger.)

The key of G-flat minor

Gis dur (Ger.)

The key of G-sharp major

Gis moll (Ger.)

The key of G-sharp minor

bass drum

The largest and lowest sounding drum of indefinite pitch

double bass

The largest and lowest sounding of the violin family

concert grand

The largest grand piano

chitaronne (It.)

The largest lute

soft pedal

The left pedal on a piano that softens the tone. Also called the una corda pedal

gallant

The light, elegant style of the 18th century

pitch

The location of a note related to its highness or lowness

voice leading

The logical movement of individual parts in polyphony

neck

The long thin part of some stringed instruments to which the fingerboard or fretboard is attached

bassoon

The low-pitched double-reed bass member of the oboe family which has a soft mellow tone. The contrabassoon is pitched an octave lower than the bassoon

chest voice

The lower register of a voice

blue notes

The lowered third, seventh and sometimes, fifth degrees of a major scale that create the characteristic sound of the blues

tuba

The lowest brass instrument commonly available in three sizes, from highest to lowest, F tuba, C tuba and B-flat tuba. It is not necessary to specify which tuba is to be used in a composition; the performer will determine which is most appropriate

ride cymbal

The main suspended cymbal of a drum kit

basso profundo (It.)

The male bass voice that extends below the common bass range

baritone

The male singing voice which is between the bass and tenor

impresario

The manager or agent of an orchestra or opera company

articulation

The manner in which notes are performed, such as staccato or legato

action

The mechanism of an instrument that is set into motion by the performer's fingers

step

The melodic movement of one or half steps

cadence

The melodic or harmonic ending of a phrase, section, movement or complete composition.

development

The melodic, harmonic or rhythmic elaboration of a theme

drumhead

The membrane or plastic that stretches over the top of a drum which is struck by a mallet, brushes or drumstick

notation

The method of writing down music (pitch, rhythm, dynamics, etc.) for performance

unequal voices

The mixture of men's and women's voices

transverse flute

The modern flute, that is held horizontally, as opposed to an end-blown flute

bec (Fr.)

The mouthpiece of a wind instrument

progression

The movement from one note to another note, or one chord to another chord

parallel motion

The movement of two or more parts, with the interval between the parts remaining the same

scale degrees

The names and numbers given to each note of a scale. They are: tonic (I), supertonic (II), mediant (III), subdominant (IV), dominant (V), submediant or superdominant (VI) and subtonic or leading tone (VII)

becarre (Fr.)

The natural sign

bequandro (It.)

The natural sign

cancel

The natural sign

As (Ger.)

The note A-flat

Ais (Ger.)

The note A-sharp

H (Ger.)

The note B-natural

His (Ger.)

The note B-sharp

middle C

The note C that is near the middle of the piano keyboard. It is notated between the treble and bass staves of the grand staff

Cis (Ger.)

The note C-sharp

Des (Ger.)

The note D-flat

Dis (Ger.)

The note D-sharp

Es (Ger.)

The note E-flat

Eis (Ger.)

The note E-sharp

Fis (Ger.)

The note F-sharp

Ges (Ger.)

The note G-flat

Gis (Ger.)

The note G-sharp

measure

The notes and rests between two bar lines

diatonic

The notes found within a major or minor scale

arpeggio (It.)

The notes of a chord played once after another

overtone series

The notes of the harmonic series except for the fundamental

range

The notes that an instrument or voice is capable of creating, from the lowest to the highest

ornaments

The notes that embellish a melody

Nachschlag (Ger.)

The notes that end a trill

suboctave

The octave below a note

liturgy

The officially authorized Christian church service

tone row

The ordering the twelve tones of an octave used by serial and twelve tone composers

form

The organization and structure of a composition

rhythm

The organization of music in time using long and short note values

score

The organized notation of all of the instrumental and/or vocal parts of a composition

schola cantorum (Lat.)

The papal choir and school of singing organized by St. Gregory in the late 6th century that helped promote Gregorian chant in other churches and monasteries

quill

The part of a harpsichord that plucks the string

fingerboard

The part of a stringed instrument where the fingers press down on the strings to produce different pitches

mouthpiece

The part of a woodwind or brass instrument that is placed on the lips or in the mouth of the performer

Introit (Lat.)

The part of the Roman Catholic Mass that is sung as the priest approaches the altar. Literally means "entrance"

Proper

The parts of the Roman Catholic Mass in which the text changes from day to day, as opposed to the Ordinary. It includes the Introit, Gradual, Alleluia, Offertory and Communion

Ordinary

The parts of the Roman Catholic Mass that remain the same from day to day, as opposed to the Proper. The Ordinary includes the Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus and Agnus Dei

harmonic rhythm

The pattern created by changes of harmony throughout a composition

meter, metre

The pattern of beats by which a piece of music is measured

batterie, battery (Fr., Eng.)

The percussion section

technic, technique

The physical skills involved in performing

chanter

The pipe on a bagpipe on which the melody is played

frequency

The pitch of a sound determined by the number of vibrations per second that are created by a given tone

node

The points of a vibrating object that are at rest

musical

The popular 20th-century American and British development of the operetta

Hauptstimme (Ger.)

The principal part. As opposed to Nebenstimme

algorithm

The process of how a synthesizer solves a problem

ear training

The process of learning how to recognize and notate pitches, intervals and rhythms

multiphonics

The production of two or more notes, simultaneously on a wind instrument

resolution

The progression of notes or chords from dissonance to consonance

tone color

The quality of sound of voice or instrument

alteration

The raising or lowering of a note with an accidental

tessitura (It.)

The range of a vocal or instrumental part, whether it is high, medium or low in relation to the voice or instrument's range

vibration

The rapid movement of an object that results in creating a tone

harmony

The result produced when tones are sounded simultaneously

Scotch snap

The rhythmic figure of a sixteenth note followed by a dotted eighth note. Sometimes called a catch

hemiola

The rhythmic relationship of three notes in the time of two, or two notes in the time of three. It is usually the alteration of 6/8 and 3/4 time

loud pedal

The right pedal on a piano that lifts the dampers

l'istesso (It.)

The same

medesimo (It.)

The same

échelle (Fr.)

The scale

acoustics

The science of sound

supertonic

The second degree of a major or minor scale

Gloria (Lat.)

The second part of the Ordinary of the Mass. It means Glory [to God in the highest]

secondo (It.)

The second part or the second player

recapitulation

The section of a movement in sonata form, when the themes of the exposition are repeated. Usually the second theme is repeated at a new pitch level, primarily the tonic key

registration

The selection of organ stops to be used in a composition

Dies Irae (Lat.)

The sequence for the Requiem Mass. Literally means "day of wrath"

keyboard

The set of keys on a keyboard instrument such as the piano, organ, harpsichord or accordion

leading tone

The seventh degree of a major or harmonic minor scale that tends to "lead" to the tonic

waveform

The shape of a sound produced by an oscillator that determines the timbre of a sound. Different waveforms include sine, pulse, sawtooth, square and triangle waves

Kreuz (Ger.)

The sharp sign

ribs

The sides that connect the back and front of stringed instruments

heterophony (Gr.)

The simultaneous performance of modified or ornamented versions of the same melody performed by two or more singers or instrumentalists

submediant

The sixth degree of a major or minor scale

half step

The smallest interval commonly used which is equal to the distance between two adjacent notes on a piano keyboard or the distance of one fret on a guitar. There are 12 half steps in an octave

baby grand

The smallest sized grand piano

volume

The softness or loudness of sound

beats

The sound caused by two of the same notes played together that are not in tune

tempo (It.)

The speed of a section of a composition, or the speed of a complete composition

baton

The stick used by a conductor to lead an ensemble

canon

The strictest form of counterpoint where one melody begins, followed at a specific interval of time by the same melody note for note

analysis

The study of form and structure in music

harmonic analysis

The study of harmonies or chords within a piece of music

musicology

The study of music

ethnomusicology

The study of music in relation to its cultural context

theory

The study of the elements of musical composition

parallel chords

The successive sounding of the same chord up or down a scale

natural

The symbol that indicates a note is either sharp nor flat

up bow

The symbol that indicates the bow should be stroked upward from the tip

double flat

The symbol that lowers the pitch of a note two half steps or one whole step

double sharp

The symbol that raises the pitch of a note two half steps or one whole step

note

The symbol used to notate music

clef

The symbol written at the beginning of a staff that indicates which notes are represented by which lines and spaces

dynamic markings

The symbols that indicate varying degrees of volume

violoncello (It.)

The tenor instrument of the violin family, tuned one octave below the viola and played between the knees. Usually abbreviated "cello"

mediant

The third degree of a scale

Credo (Lat.)

The third part of the Ordinary of the Mass. It means "I believe"

point

The tip of a bow

resonance

The transfer of vibrations from one object to another

G clef

The treble clef

violin

The treble member of the violin family. In an orchestra they are usually divided into groups of firsts and seconds

equal temperament

The tuning of an octave into 12 equal semitones

doublé (Fr.)

The turn

foot

The unit of measurement for the pitch and size of organ pipes

belly

The upper side of the soundbox of stringed instruments. Also, the soundboard of a piano

chromaticism

The use of chromatic chords and intervals

voices

The various male and female singing ranges. Female: soprano, mezzo soprano, and alto. Male: tenor, baritone, and bass

touch

The way a key is depressed on a keyboard instrument

libretto (It.)

The words or text of an opera, oratorio or musical

tema (It.)

Theme

poi (It.)

Then

cymbals

Thin metal disks that are either struck together or suspended and hit with a drumstick or mallet

fret

Thin wedges of wood, metal or ivory that are placed across the fingerboard of certain stringed instruments, primarily the guitar, banjo and mandolin

biscroma (It.)

Thirty-second note

demisemiquaver

Thirty-second note

interpretation

Those aspects of a performance that come from a performer rather than the composer

quality of tone

Those characteristics of an instrument's tone that make it different from another instrument

attendant keys

Those keys relevant to a major or minor scale. For example, the attendant keys of C major are D minor, E minor, F major, G major and A minor

pitch class

Those notes with the same letter name, regardless of octave

tre (It.)

Three

triplet

Three notes played in the time of two notes of the same value

chord

Three or more tones sounded simultaneously. Two tones are usually referred to as an intervals or a dyad

balalaika (Ru.)

Three-stringed Russian instrument similar to a guitar and triangular in shape

Pauken (Ger.)

Timpani

timbal, timbale, timballo (Sp., Fr., It.)

Timpani

amplitude modulation

To alter the amplitude of an electronic instrument or device

frequency modulation

To alter the frequency of an electronic instrument or device

prebend

To bend a string on the guitar before playing it

overblow

To blow a woodwind instrument so hard that a harmonic is sounded

archet, archetto (Fr., It.)

To bow a stringed instrument

arco (It.)

To bow a stringed instrument

transpose, transposition

To change a composition from one key to another

modulate, modulation

To change key within a composition

synthesis

To create or manipulate sounds electronically

mix

To create the correct balance of recorded tracks

orchestration

To designate which which instruments play which parts of a composition

conduct

To direct a group of musicians

down bow

To draw a bow downward from the frog to the tip

ornamentation

To embellish a melody

accent, accénto (Eng., It.)

To emphasize a note

agogic accent

To emphasize a note by giving it a longer duration than normal

real-time mode

To enter data into a computer or sequencer in actual time or a speed proportional to actual time. As opposed to step-time mode

step-time mode

To enter data into a computer or sequencer one function at a time. As opposed to real-time mode

word painting

To express the meaning of the words of a song or other vocal piece through the music

tenuto (It.)

To hold a note for its full value, indicated by a line over or under a note

singing

To make music by means of the human voice

tuning

To match the pitch of an instrument to a standard pitch of another instrument

variation

To modify or develop a musical theme by means of harmonic, melodic or rhythmic changes

strum

To move a pick or fingers rapidly across the strings of a stringed instrument

panning

To move an amplified sound between two or more speakers

muting

To mute

palm mute

To mute a guitar with the palm of the plucking hand. Abbreviated PM

abbellire (It.)

To ornament

audition

To perform for a group of judges who evaluate the performer's skill

rubato (It.)

To perform with a free, flexible tempo, tastefully slowing down and speeding up at the discretion of the performer

soli, solos

To play a solo in unison with others

swing time

To play eighth notes as if they were a triplet consisting of a quarter note and an eighth note

legato (It.)

To play or sing groups of notes smoothly and without separate attacks

segue (It.)

To play the following movement or section without a break

pizzicato (It.)

To pluck a string. Abbreviated pizz.

choke

To quickly stop the vibrations of a percussion instrument

overdub, overdubbing

To record a track over a previously used track, or to add to a recording by recording onto an unused track

multitracking

To record each voice, instrument or sound onto different tracks which are to be mixed later

quantize

To round off the rhythmic value of a note when using a sequencer or drum machine

syncopation

To shift the accent of a note or chord to a weak beat or the weak part of a beat

cantare (It.)

To sing

karaoke (Jap.)

To sing along with a recorded accompaniment

smear

To slide into a note from below

scoop

To slide into a note from below, rather than attacking it cleanly

portamento

To slide smoothly from one note to the next

al coda (It.)

To the coda

al fine (It.)

To the end

accordare, accorder (It., Fr.)

To tune

tonguing

To use the tongue to articulate on wind instruments

timbre (Fr.)

Tone color or quality

tono (It.)

Tone, mode, key

Ton (Ger.)

Tone, note

troppo (It.)

Too, or too much

tranquillo (It.)

Tranquil, calm, quiet

troubadour

Traveling poet-musicians in France during the 12th and 13th centuries

tremolando (It.)

Trembling, with tremolo

Posaune (Ger.)

Trombone

tromba (It.)

Trumpet

bombardon

Tuba

Turca, Turco (It.)

Turkish

volti (It.)

Turn

volti subito (It.)

Turn quickly. In orchestral parts this indicates to turn the page quickly. Abbreviated V.S.

dodecaphonic

Twelve-tone music

due (It.)

Two

whole tone

Two half steps; the interval of a major second; a whole step

contrary motion

Two lines of music moving in opposite directions

duplet

Two notes played in the time of three

double stop

Two notes played simultaneously by one player

enharmonic

Two notes that sound the same, but are spelled differently. For example, B-flat and A-sharp are enharmonically the same

fifteenth

Two octaves above, abbreviated 15ma

system

Two or more connected staves

polyrhythm

Two or more different rhythms played simultaneously

dissonance, dissonant

Two or more notes that when played together cause tension or require resolution

unison

Two or more performers sounding the same note or melody

parallel (consecutive) fifths, octaves

Two parts moving in parallel motion a fifth or an octave apart

castanets

Two small, concave pieces of wood or ivory which are struck together to create a clicking sound

double bar

Two vertical lines drawn through the staff that indicate the end of a section, movement or piece

glee

Unaccompanied English secular choral music of the 18th century

chant

Unaccompanied monophonic sacred plainsong in free rhythm

sotto (It.)

Under

sotto voce (It.)

Under the voice, in soft voice

Einklang (Ger.)

Unison

beat

Unit of measurement of rhythmic time

sino (It.)

Until

poussé, poussez (Fr.)

Up-bow

disco

Upbeat dance music popular in the 1970s

anacrusis (Gr.)

Upbeat or pickup

polymetric

Using two different meters simultaneously

Gebrauchsmusik (Ger.)

Utility music. Music intended to be played by amateurs

ventil, ventile (Ger., It.)

Valve

saxhorn

Valved brass instruments invented by Adolphe Sax around 1840

Veranderungen (Ger.)

Variations

Viennese school

Various composers who have worked in and around Vienna. The classical Viennese school includes masters of the classical style such as Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven. The new Viennese school includes the modern twelve-tone composer Schoenberg and his students Berg and Webern

velato (It.)

Veiled, obscured

voilé (Fr.)

Veiled, subdued

molto (It.)

Very

sehr (Ger.)

Very

très (Fr.)

Very

presto (It.)

Very fast

fortissimo (It.)

Very loud, abbreviated ff

largo (It.)

Very slow and broad

pianissimo (It.)

Very soft, abbreviated pp

arraché (Fr.)

Very strong pizzicato

assai (It.)

Very, extremely

fortississimo (It.)

Very, very loud, abbreviated fff

pianississimo (It.)

Very, very soft, abbreviated ppp

lancio

Vigor

brio (It.)

Vigor, spirit

kräftig (Ger.)

Vigorous

vigoroso (It.)

Vigorous, energetic

frisch (Ger.)

Vigorous, lively

Bratsche (Ger.)

Viola

gamba

Viola da gamba

Geige (Ger.)

Violin

solfège, solfeggio (Fr., It.)

Vocal exercises in which syllables are assigned to notes: do, re, me, fa, sol, la, ti

accompaniment

Vocal or instrumental parts that accompany a melody

bel canto (It.)

Vocal style of great Italian singers of the 18th and early 19th centuries, characterized by flawless technique and beautiful tone. Literally means "beautiful singing"

voce (It.)

Voice

voix (Fr.)

Voice

vox (Lat.)

Voice

camminando (It.)

Walking, flowing

Walzer (Ger.)

Waltz

valse (Fr.)

Waltz

bellicoso (It.)

Warlike, martial

wuchtig (Ger.)

Weighty, ponderous

suspension

When a consonant note is held over while the harmony changes, thus becoming a dissonant note that is then resolved

masculine cadence

When a final chord occurs on a strong beat

feminine cadence

When a final chord occurs on a weak beat

Picardy third

When a piece in a minor key ends with a major chord

isometric

When all parts (voices) of a polyphonic piece have the same rhythm

homorhythmic

When all the voices or parts move in the same rhythm

aleatory music

When elements of a piece of music are determined by chance

tonicization

When harmonies outside of the tonic key are present, but no modulation has occurred

oblique motion

When one voice remains stationary and the other moves

antiphonal

When separate groups of performers alternate or respond to each other

preparation

When the dissonant note of a chord was a consonant note of the previous chord

digital

When the numerical representation of data is used to record and/or control sounds in synthesis

close harmony

When the tones of a chord are as close together as possible, usually within an octave

open harmony

When the tones of a chord are spaced over more than an octave

bitonality

When two key centers (or tonalities) are used simultaneously

polytonality

When two or more keys, or tonal centers, are used simultaneously

polyphony

When two or more melodic lines are combined. As opposed to monophony

similar motion

When two or more parts move in the same direction, but the interval between them changes

analog

When voltage is used to control a sound in synthesis. As opposed to digital

deceptive cadence

Where the progression moves from the dominant (V) chord to a chord other than the tonic (I)—usually to the submediant (vi)

sussurando (It.)

Whispering

vent (Fr.)

Wind

Blasinstrumente (Ger.)

Wind instruments

avec (Fr.)

With

col (It.)

With

con (It.)

With

mit (Ger.)

With

ému (Fr.)

With feeling, with emotion

forza (It.)

With force

pathétique (Fr.)

With great emotion

addolorato (It.)

With grief

à demi-jeu (Fr.)

With half the power

à demi-voix (Fr.)

With half the power of the voice

con sordino (It.)

With mute. Abbreviated con sord.

passionato (It.)

With passion

affetuoso (It.)

With tender emotion

a battuta (It.)

With the beat

col arco (It.)

With the bow

à deux mains (Fr.)

With two hands

ohne (Ger.)

Without

sans (Fr.)

Without

senza (It.)

Without

a cappella (It.)

Without accompaniment

legno (It.)

Wood

bois (Fr.)

Woodwinds

expression marks

Words or symbols that indicate how a piece should be interpreted, i.e., articulation, dynamics, tempo. etc.

text

Words that are set to music


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