performance directions (Italian grade 1-5 part 2)

Question 1

a piacere

Answer 1

at pleasure, meaning that the performer is not bound to follow the given rhythm exactly

Question 2

appassionato

Answer 2

with passion

Question 3

a punto d’arca

Answer 3

see a la pointe (use the bow (of a string instrument) at the point, ie the end opposite to that held by the player

Question 4

arco

Answer 4

bow of a string instrument, a directon after pizzicato

Question 5

assai

Answer 5

very, extremely (but sometimes used in the same sense as assez)

Question 6

assez(F)

Answer 6

enough, sufficiently (but sometimes used in the same sense as assai)

Question 7

a tempo

Answer 7

in time, indicating a return to the original speed after eg rit., rall.

Question 8

cantando

Answer 8

singing

Question 9

capriccioso, capricieux (F)

Answer 9

in a whimsical, fanciful style

Question 10

colla parte

Answer 10

keep with the soloist, a direction to an accompanist

Question 11

colla voce

Answer 11

keep with the singer, a direction to an accompanist

Question 12

corda, corde

Answer 12

string, strings (see una corda, tre corde)

Question 13

deciso

Answer 13

with determination

Question 14

decrescendo, dimin., dim.

Answer 14

graduallly getting softer

Question 15

fin (F), fine(I)

Answer 15

end

Question 16

flautato, flautando

Answer 16

flute-like, a direction for natural harmonics on string instruments

Question 17

flessibile

Answer 17

flexible, i.e. not in strict tempo

Question 18

glissando, gliss.

Answer 18

slide (a rapid scale passage produced by e.g. drawing a thumb or finger-tip along the white keys of a piano, or by sweeping the fingers across the strings of a harp or by sliding the finger along a spring of a string instrument)

Question 19

lacrimoso, lagrimando, lagrimoso

Answer 19

sad (lit. ‘tearful’)

Question 20

licenza

Answer 20

licence, freedom (con alcuna licenza: with some freedom, particularly with ragard to tempo and rhythm)

Question 21

l’istesso

Answer 21

the same (l’istesso tempo: at the same speed)