Essential Dictionary of Music
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
