Essential Dictionary of Music: Handpicked Terms Flashcards
(634 cards)
1
Q
A grace note which is played simultaneously with the principal note and immediately released.
A
Acciaccatura
2
Q
A tempo slightly faster than adagio.
A
Adagietto
3
Q
A slow tempo which is faster than largo and slower than andante.
A
Adagio
4
Q
A triad including the sixth note above the root. For example C, E, G, A.
A
Added sixth
5
Q
With grief (It.)
A
Addolorato
6
Q
A mode that corresponds to the half and whole step patterns created when playing A to A on the white keys of the piano. Same as natural minor scale
A
Aeolian
7
Q
With tender emotion (It.)
A
Affetuoso
8
Q
Sad, melancholy (It.)
A
Afflitto
9
Q
Hurrying (It.)
A
Affrettando
10
Q
Lightly. (It.)
A
Algilmente
11
Q
Agitated. (It.)
A
Agitato
12
Q
The fifth part from the Ordinary of the Mass. literally means “Lamb of God.”
A
Agnus Dei
13
Q
To emphasize a note by giving it a longer duration than normal.
A
Agogic Accent
14
Q
A song, melody, or tune
A
Air
15
Q
In the style of. (It.)
A
Al, alla, alle
16
Q
To the coda (It.)
A
Al coda
17
Q
When elements of a piece of music are determined by chance.
A
Aleatory Music
18
Q
To the end (It.)
A
Al fine
19
Q
A tempo indication where the half note received the beat rather than the quarter note. Also called cut time. (It.)
A
Alle breve
20
Q
Becoming slower and broader (It.)
A
Allargando
21
Q
A lively, quick tempo that is slightly slower than allegro. (It.)
A
Allegretto
22
Q
Cheerful, quick or fast (It.)
A
Allegro
23
Q
A German dance usually in duple meter, commonly found in a suite. Or a German dance in 3/4 time. (Fr.)
A
Allemande
24
Q
Slowing (It.)
A
Allentando
25
Go to the sign (It.)
Al segno
26
The raising or lowering of a note with an accidental.
Alteration
27
A chord in which one or more notes have been raised or lowered chromatically.
Altered chord
28
The C clef usually used by viola, where the middle C is found on the third line of the staff.
Alto clef
29
Another (It.)
Altra
30
Tender, gentle (It.)
Amabile
31
Love (It.)
Amore
32
The volume of sound.
Amplitude
33
On the bridge (Ger.)
am Steg
34
Upbeat or pickup
Anacrusis
35
The study of form and structure in music
Analysis
36
A moderate, graceful tempo slower than allegretto and faster than adagio. (It.)
Andante
37
A tempo slightly faster or slower than andante. (It.)
Andantino
38
English (Fr.)
Anglaise
39
Spirited, animated. (It.)
Animoso/Animato
40
In a fugue, the second entry of a the subject which is at a different pitch than the first entry.
Answer
41
1: The first phrase of a musical period. 2: The theme or subject of a canon or fugue.
Antecedent
42
A Protestant choral composition, with religious text.
Anthem
43
One or more non-harmonic tones played before the chord in which it belongs.
Anticipation
44
A short chant sung before and after a psalm or canticle during the Roman Chatholic Mass
Antiphon
45
When separate groups or performers alternate or respond to each other.
Antiphonal
46
Passionately. (It.)
Appassionato
47
Emphasized. (It.)
Appoggiando
48
A non harmonic grace note that resolves stepwise to a harmonic note. (It.)
Appoggiatura
49
Bowed. To bow a stringed instrument. (It.)
Arcato
50
To bow a stringed instrument (It.)
Arco
51
Spirited, bolded (It.)
Ardito
52
A solo vocal piece usually associated with opera and oratorios (It.)
Aria
53
A comic aria (It.)
Aria buffa
54
Lyrically (It.)
Arioso
55
An adaption of a composition for a medium other than that which it was originally written
Arrangement
56
Literally "old art." Used to indicate music of the 12th and 13th centuries, especially the music of Leonin and Perotin (Lat.)
Ars Antiqua
57
Literally "new art." Used to indicate the music of the 14th century, especially the music of Machaut and Landini (Lat.)
Ars Nova
58
On stringed instruments, a harmonic played on a fingered or fretted string, rather than an open string.
Artificial harmonic
59
Very, extremely (It.)
assai
60
Enough, fairly (Fr.)
Assez
61
Return to the original tempo or speed (It.)
a tempo
62
Music without a tonal center or key.
atonal
63
Continue immediately to next section or movement without a break (It.)
attacca
64
The act of beginning a note or phrase
attack
65
The electronic representation of sound
audio
66
Soaring (Ger.)
Aufschwung
67
Elongating the duration of notes
augmentation
68
A major triad with the fifth raised a half step.
augmented triad
69
an interval raised by a half step
augmented interval
70
A chord that includes the interval of an augmented sixth, that resolves outward to an octave (Ex. French, Italian, and German ________)
Augmented Sixth Chord
71
A cadence that ends with the dominant (V) chord progressing to the tonic (I) chord.
Authentic cadence
72
A mode whose key note is the lowest note.
Authentic mode
73
Slang for a musical instrument
Axe
74
The smallest sized grand piano
Baby grand
75
A popular style of drumming where the second and fourth beats of a measure are emphasized
back beat
76
Short instrumental pieces
bagatelle
77
In the style of a dance (It.)
ballabile
78
1: A song that tells a story 2: A slow sentimental song 3: Originally a song accompanying dancing
Ballad
79
1: A dramatic instrumental composition 2: A medieval poetic French song
Ballade
80
A dance set to music that depicts a story (Fr.)
Ballet
81
Another word for measure
bar
82
Music in the style of songs sung by Venetian gondoliers, usually in 6/8 time. (Fr.)
Barcarolle
83
The male singing voice which is between the bass and tenor.
Baritone
84
The f clef on the third line of the staff
baritone clef
85
A vertical line that divides measures or bars
bar line
86
The historical period of music from 1600-1750
Baroque
87
A fretted instrument with four, five or six strings tuned an octave lower than the guitar.
Bass guitar
88
Comical bass voice in an opera. (It.)
Basso buffo
89
The low-pitched double-reed bass member of the oboe family which has a soft mellow tone.
Bassoon
90
A bass part of a composition that is repeated.
basso ostinato
91
The stick used by a conductor to lead an ensemble.
Baton
92
The horizontal line that connects groups of eight notes, sixteenth notes, thirty, second notes, etc. in place of flags.
beam
93
unit of measurement of rhythmic time
beat
94
A style of jazz that originated in the 1940's, characterized by extended harmonies, improvisation, complex rhythms and fast tempos.
Bebop
95
Vocal style of great Italian singers of the 18th and early 19th centuries, characterized by flawless technique and beautiful tone. Literally means "beautiful singing."
Bel canto
96
From the Mass, the conclusion of the Sanctus. Literally "blessed"
Benedictus
97
An Italian peasant's dance from the 16th and 17th centuries, based on the harmonic progression of I-IV-V-I. (It.)
Bergamasca
98
A jazz band usually made of of groups of woodwind, brass, percussion and sometimes stringed instruments that played music fro dancing. They were most popular from the 1920's through the 1940's.
big band
99
A musical form where one section is followed by a contrasting section: AB
binary form
100
a soft tremolo effect on the harp. Literally means "whispering."
bisbigliando
101
when two key centers (or tonalities) are used simultaneously
bitonality
102
A musical style from the American south characterized by quick tempos and elaborate vocals. It usually features fiddle, banjo, mandolin, guitar and bass
blue grass
103
The lowered third, seventh, and sometimes fifth degrees of a major scale that create the characteristic sound of the blues.
blue notes
104
a kind of American music derived from spirituals and work songs characterized by blue notes and a form that is usually 12 bars long.
blues
105
A keying system for woodwind instruments invented by Theobald Boehm that allows both ease of of playing and correct acoustical position of the holes.
Boehm system
106
A Spanish dance usually in 3/4 time
Bolero
107
Small Cuban drums where two drums of different sizes are joined together and played with the thumb and fingers of each hand.
Bongos
108
A jazz piano style popular in the United States during the 1920's and 1930's characterized by a steady rhythmic ostinato bass in the left hand
Boogie Woogie
109
The diameter of a woodwind or brass instrument.
Bore
110
A Brazilian dance popular in the late 1950's and 1960's
Bossa Nova
111
A bracket connecting two or more staves.
Brace
112
A 15th century dance usually in duple time. (Fr.)
Branle
113
An ensemble usually consisting of two trumpets, horn, trombone and tuba, or a composition for that ensemble.
Brass Quintet
114
An ensemble usually consisting of a trumpet, horn and trombone, or a composition for that ensemble.
Brass trio
115
Boldness, virtuosity. A piece requiring technical proficiency. (It.)
Bravura
116
Originally considered the shortest note value. Since the 16th century it is the longest note value, equaling two whole notes.
Breve
117
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.
break
118
A thin piece of wood on stringed instruments that holds the strings away from the belly of the instrument.
bridge
119
brilliant (It.)
Brillante
120
Brio (It.)
Vigor, spirit
121
Brisé (Fr.)
Arpeggiated Playing
122
Bruscamente (It.)
Brusquely, accented
123
Brushes
Soft wire brushes used in place of drumsticks to strike percussion instruments
124
Buffo, buffa (It.)
Comical
125
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
126
Burden
1. The refrain of a song 2. The drone of a bagpipe
127
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 Guillame Dufay
128
Burlesque
1. A musical farce 2. A comical stage show composed of various unrelated segments
129
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.
130
Byzantine Chant
Christian church chants similar to Gregorian chant from the Byzantine Empire (330-1433 A.D.)
131
Cabaletta (It.)
1. A short operatic song in popular style with uniform rhythm in both the vocal 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.
132
Caccia (It.)
Chase or hunt. A two-part canon where the voices "chase" each other
133
Cacophony
A harsh dissonant sound. Dissonance
134
Cadence
The melodic or harmonic ending of a phrase, section, movement or complete composition.
135
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.
136
Cadenzato (It.)
Rhythmical
137
Caesura (It.)
A symbol // indicating a sudden pause in the music
138
Caisse (Fr.)
A drum
139
Cakewalk
An American dance popular in the 1890's with ragtime rhythms
140
calando (It.)
Gradually diminishing becoming softer and sometimes slower
141
calcando (It.)
Accelerating the tempo
142
calliope
a pipe organ that blows steam through the pipes, rather than air
143
calma, calmando, calmato (It.)
quieting, calming
144
calore (It.)
Passion, warmth
145
Calypso
A style of ballad from Trinidad that was popular in the United States during the late 1950's and early 1960's
146
cambiata (It.)
In counterpoint, a dissonant note followed by the interval of a third. Also called a change note.
147
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"
148
camerata (It.)
Small schools of writers and musicians in the 16th century
149
camminando (It.)
Walking, flowing
150
campanelle (It.)
1. Small bells 2. Glockenspiel
151
cancan (Fr.)
French dance in a fast 2/4 time, popular in the 19th century
152
canción (Sp.)
Spanish for song
153
canon
The strictest form of counterpoint where on melody begins, followed at a specific interval of time by the same melody note for note
154
cantabile (It.)
singing
155
cantare (It.)
to sing
156
cantata (It.)
A multi-movement vocal work for chorus and/or soloists with orchestral accompaniment that is performed without staging
157
canticle
A non-metrical hymn used in a church service
158
canto (It.)
1. Melody, song 2. The instrument or voice with the melody
159
cantor (It.)
A solo singer who leads musical portions of religious services
160
cantus firmus (Lat.)
An existing melody that is used as the theme of a polyphonic piece. Literally means "fixed song"
161
canzonet (It.)
a short instrumental or vocal piece
162
capo (It.)
1. The head or beginning of a piece 2. The nut of a stringed instrument 3. capotasto
163
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
164
capriccio, caprice (It. and Fr.)
An instrumental piece in a free form
165
capriccioso (It.)
Capricious, lively, fanciful
166
carol
a joyous song of praise, usually sung at Christmas time
167
cassa (It.)
Drum
168
castanets
Two small concave pieces of wood or ivory which are struck together to create a clicking sound.
169
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.
170
catch
a humorous round or canon for three or more voices
171
cavatina (It.)
1. Songlike instrumental piece 2. A short solo aria
172
C clef
a movable clef that indicates the placement of middle C on the staff.
173
cédez (Fr.)
slow down
174
celere (It.)
quick
175
celesta (It.)
A percussion instrument consisting of steel bars which are struck by hammers that are controlled by a keyboard
176
cent
"Hundredth." A unit of measuring intervals in music. Each half-step is made up of a 100 cents
177
cha-cha
A Latin American dance with an insistent rhythm. Also called the cha-cha-cha
178
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
179
chalumeau (Fr.)
1. the lowest register of the clarinet 2. Thew 17th century name for an early oboe or clarinet 3. The chanter of a bagpipe.
180
chamber music
Music for a small ensemble where each part is played by only one performer and suitable for a small room.
181
chamber orchestra
a small orchestra
182
chance music
another word for aleotory music
183
changes
slang for chord progression
184
chanson (Fr.)
song
185
chant
unaccompanied monophonic sacred plainsong in free rhythm.
186
chanter
the pipe on the bagpipe where the melody is played
187
chanterelle (Fr.)
the highest string on a stringed instrument
188
chantey, shanty
a work song sung by sailors
189
character piece
a short instrumental composition that expresses a mood or story
190
Charleston
A fast American dance popular in the 1920's
191
chart(s)
slang for a musical score and/or parts
192
chest voice
the lower register of a voice
193
chiesa (It.)
music to be played in the church as opposed to camera which is to be played outside the church. Literally means "church"
194
chimes
a set of tuned metal tubes which are struck by a hammer
195
chitarrone (It.)
the largest lute
196
chiusa (It.)
closed
197
choeur (Fr.)
choir, chorus
198
choir
a group of church singers, or singers of sacred music
199
choke
to quickly stop the vibration of a percussion instrument
200
chops
slang for musicians technique
201
choral, chorale
vocal music or a group of singers
202
chord
Three or more tones sounded simultaneously. Two tones are usually referred to as an interval or a dyad
203
chordophones
instruments whose sounds are created by means of strings stretched between two points.
204
chorister
a singer in a choir
205
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
206
chromatic
1. Notes foreign to a key or scale 2. A series of notes moving in half-steps
207
chromaticism
the use of chromatic chords and intervals
208
chromatic scale
a scale composed of all twelve half steps of an octave
209
church modes
scales originally used in medieval church music. These modes include the Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian, Locrian and Ionian modes
210
cimbalom
A large Hungarian dulcimer
211
cinelli (It.)
cymbals
212
circle of fifths
The clockwise arrangement of successive keys arranged in order of ascending fifths
213
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.
214
cither, cithern
an instrument similar to a lute or guitar that was used in the 16th and 17th centuries
215
clam
slang for a wrong note
216
clarinet
a group of single-reed woodwind instruments which are made of wood or plastic. The different types include E-flat, B-flat, A, E-flat alto, B-flat bass, E-flat contra-alto, and B-flat contrabass clarinet
217
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 folk music
218
clausula
1. cadence 2. compositions of the 12th and 13th centuries based on a short fragment of the Gregorian chant
219
claves
Cuban percussion instruments consisting of cylindrical wooden blocks that are struck together
220
clavichord
a rectangular keyboard instrument used from the 15th to 18th century whose strings, rather than being plucked like a harpsichord, are struck by a metal wedge called a tangent
221
clef
the symbol written at the beginning of a staff that indicates which notes are represented by which lines and spaces
222
cloches (Fr.)
bells, chimes
223
close harmony
When the tones of a chord are as close together as possible, usually written within an octave
224
clusters
Groups of notes a major or minor second apart that are played simultaneously.
225
coda (It.)
an ending section of a movement or piece
226
codetta (It.)
a short coda
227
col (It.)
with
228
col arco (It.)
with the bow
229
coll', colla (It.)
with the
230
col legno (It.)
In string playing, playing with the wood (bow-stick) part of the bow.
231
coll'ottava (It.)
Play the written notes and those notes one octave higher
232
coll'ottava bassa (It.)
Play the written notes and those notes one octave lower.
233
coloratura (It.)
Fast, ornamented, virtuoso-like vocal music
234
combo
slang for a small group of musicians, usually less than six
235
come prima (It.)
as before
236
come sopra (It.)
As above
237
comic opera
an opera with comical elements and a happy ending
238
common chord
a major or minor triad
239
common time
4/4 meter. A C is also used to indicate it
240
common tone
a note that is the same in two consecutive chords
241
còmodo (It.)
Comfortable, leisurely
242
comp
In jazz, short for accompany. An improvised chordal accompaniment usually played by a pianist or guitarist
243
composer
a person who writes music
244
compound interval
an interval greater than an octave
245
compound meter
a time signature where each beat is divisible by three. (6/8, 9/4, 12/8)
246
compression
In electronic music and mixing, to reduce the extreme louds and softs of the dynamic range.
247
compressor
a device used for compression
248
con (It.)
with
249
concert
A public performance of music
250
concertante (It.)
A piece for two or more soloists with orchestral accompaniment
251
concert band
an ensemble consisting of woodwind, brass and percussion instruments
252
concert grand
the largest grand piano
253
concertina (It.)
A small instrument similar to an accordion but has a hexagonal shape and uses buttons rather than a keyboard
254
concertino (It.)
1. A short concerto usually in one movement 2. The group of soloists in a concerto grosso
255
concertmaster
The first violinist in an orhcestra
256
concerto (It.)
A composition for orhcestra and soloist
257
concerto grosso (It.)
A baroque concerto that uses a full orchestra (ripieno and a group of soloists (concertino)
258
concert overture
an overture written as an independent composition, not as an introduction to a larger work. Frequently used to open a concert.
259
concert pitch
1. the sounding pitch of an instrument as opposed to written pitch. 2. The note used as standard tuning for all instrumentalists of an ensemble. The standard tuning is usually A440
260
conduct
to direct a group of musicians
261
conductor
the director of a group of musicians
262
conductus
Sacred or secular Latin songs written in the 12th century
263
conga
An African dance in 2/4 where the dancers form a chain or line that moves in straight lines or circles
264
conjunct
successive notes of scale
265
consequent
1. The second phrase in a musical period. 2. The answer of a fugue. Also see antecedent
266
conservatory
A school specializing in music
267
console
1. The part of the organ operated by the organist. 2. An upright piano slightly taller than a spinet
268
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.
269
con sordino (It.)
With mute. Abbreviated con sord.
270
consort
An old English term for a chamber group
271
contra (It.)
An octave below. Literally means "against"
272
contrabass
the double bass
273
contradanza
English country dance
274
contrafagotto (It.)
Double bassoon-contrabassoon
275
contrapuntal
in the style of counterpoint
276
contrary motion
Two lines of music moving in opposite directions.
277
cor (Fr.)
Horn
278
cor anglais (Fr.)
English Horn
279
corda (It.), Corde (Fr.)
String
280
cornet, cornetta
A B-flat brass instrument similar to a trumpet with three valves and a conical bore
281
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
282
cornopean
Old name for a cornet
283
coro (It.)
Chorus or choir
284
cotillon (Fr.)
1. French dance popular during the 18th and 19th centuries that would be the final dance of the evening 2. A quadrille
285
counterpoint
composing with two or more melodies that are to be played simultaneously. Literally "note against note"
286
country
An American popular music characterized by dance rhythms, a simple musical stature and down-to-earth lyrics
287
courante (Fr.)
A 16th-century French dance in triple meter that later became a standard suite movement
288
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.
289
crab canon
a canon in which one part is played backwards-retrograde
290
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
291
Credo (Lat.)
The third part of the Ordinary of the Mass. Means "I believe"
292
Crescendo (It.)
Gradually becoming louder. Abbreviated cresc.
293
crook
A tube inserted into a horn or trumpet that changes its pitch. Crooks were used before valves were introduced.
294
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.
295
crotales
Small tuned cymbals
296
Crotchet
Quarter Note
297
csárdas
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)
298
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
299
cut time
2/2 meter. Sometimes the c with a line through it is used
300
cycle
a group of complete pieces or songs that are to be used
301
cyclic, cyclical
1. A musical compositions made up of several complete movements, such as sonata, suite, symphony or cantata 2. Compositions that have related thematic material in some or all of the movements
302
D
Abbreviation for "Deutsch," the cataloguer of Schubert's works. D numbers are used for Schubert's compositions in place of opus numbers
303
da capo (It.)
From the head or from the beginning. Go back to the beginning
304
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
305
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
306
da capo aria (It.)
An opera aria in three sections, with the third being a repetition of the first
307
dal segno (It.)
Go back and play from the sign (an S with a slash sign) Abbreviated D.S.
308
dal segno al coda (It.)
Go back to the D.S. and play to the "To Coda" indication, then skip down to the Coda
309
dal segno al fine (It.)
Go back to the D.S. and play to the "Fine," which is the end of the piece
310
damper
1. On a piano, the mechanism that stops the strings from vibrating 2. Mute
311
damper pedal
On a piano, the pedal on the right that allows the strings to vibrate
312
Dampfer (Gr.)
Mute
313
dance
1. To rhythmically move to music 2. A composition used to accompany those who are dancing
314
danse, danza (Fr. and It.)
Dance
315
dB
abbreviation for decibel
316
D.C.
abbreviation for da capo
317
decay
the gradual fading out of a sound
318
deceptive cadence
Where the progression moves from the dominant (V) chord to a chord other than the tonic (I) usually to the submediant (vi)
319
decibel
A unit for measuring the loudness or intensity of sound. Abbreviated dB
320
deciso (It.)
Decided, bold, with decision
321
decrescendo (It.)
Gradually becoming softer > abbreviated decresc.
322
degree
One of the notes of a diatonic scale which is assigned a number by counting up from the keynote
323
delicato (It.)
Delicately
324
demi- (Fr.)
half
325
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
326
desk
a music stand shared by two stringed instrument players
327
destra (It.)
right
328
détaché (Fr.)
detached bowing
329
development
The harmonic, melodic, or rhythmic elaboration of a theme
330
di (It.)
of, from, with, to
331
diapason (Gr.)
1. an octave 2. The range of a voice or instrument 3. The principal or main foundation stop of an organ 3. The principal or main foundation stop of an organ 4. Standard pitch
332
diatonic
The notes found within a major or minor scale
333
didgeridoo
a wind instrument native to Australia made of wood or bamboo
334
die (Gr.)
the
335
diése, diesis (Fr. and Gr.)
sharp
336
Dies Irae (Lat.)
The sequence for the Requiem Mass. Literally means "day of wrath"
337
diluendo (It.)
becoming softer
338
diminished
smaller
339
diminished interval
minor or perfect intervals lowered by a half step
340
diminished seventh chord
a chord consisting of a root minor third, diminished fifth and diminished seventh. The E diminished seventh chord E, G, B flat, and D-flat
341
diminished triad
A triad consisting of a root, minor third, and diminished fifth. The C diminished triad is C, E flat, and G flat
342
diminuendo (It.)
Gradually becoming softer > Abbreviated dim.
343
diminution
shortening the duration of notes
344
direct
a marking given at the end of a staff or page that gives warning of the next note
345
dirge
a vocal or instrumental piece that is written to be performed at a funeral
346
disco
Upbeat dance music popular in the 1970's
347
discothèque (Fr.)
a place where people gather to dance
348
disjunct motion
moving by leaps
349
dissonance
Two or more notes that when played together cause tension or require resolution
350
distortion
an electronic effect that alters the sound of an amplified instrument by making it sound less clear
351
divertimento (It.)
A light instrumental piece with multiple movements.
352
div.
abbreviation for divisi
353
divertissement (Fr.)
A ballet, dance or entr'acte in an opera that is not essential to the pot
354
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.
355
Dixieland
A style of jazz developed in New Orleans during the early 1900's characterized by syncopated rhythms and improvisation. The standard instrumentation includes cornet, clarinet, trombone, piano, drums, banjo (or guitar) and tuba
356
do (It.)
1. In the fixed do system, the note C 2. In the movable-movable system, the first note of the scale
357
Dobro
A type of guitar with a circular metal resonator on its belly
358
dodecaphonic
Twelve tone music. (Serial music)
359
dolt
a technique on wind instruments where the main note is sounded, followed by a glissando upwards from one to five steps
360
dolce (It.)
sweet
361
dolente (It.)
Sorrowful
362
doloroso (It.)
Sorrowful, grieved
363
dominant
The fifth degree of a major or minor scale
364
dominant seventh chord
A chord consisting of a root, major third, perfect fifth, and minor seventh
365
domra
A Russian stringed instrument similar to a balalaika used during the 16th and 17th centuries
366
Doppel (Ger.)
Double
367
doppio (It.)
Double, twice
368
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
369
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
370
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
371
doublé (Fr.)
The turn
372
double bar
Two vertical lines drawn through the staff that indicate the end of a section, movement, or piece
373
double bass
The largest and lowest sounding of the violin family
374
double concerto
A concerto for orchestra and two solo instruments
375
double flat
the symbol (bb) that lowers the pitch of a note two half steps or one whole step
376
double fugue
a fugue with two subjects
377
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.
378
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 oboe, English horn, bassoon, etc.
379
double sharp
the symbol x that raises the pitch of a note two half steps or one whole step.
380
double stop
two notes played simultaneously by one player
381
double time
play twice as fast
382
double tonguing
on a flute or brass instrument, the tonguing of rapid passages by silently pronouncing "ta-ka"
383
douce, doux (Fr.)
sweet
384
downbeat
Downward motion of a conductors that indicates the first beat of a measure
385
down bow
to draw a bow downward from the frog to the tip. A down bow is indicated by a specific symbol
386
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."
387
drag
a drum rudiment consisting of two short grace notes played before the main note
388
droit (Fr.)
Right
389
drone
a long sustained note
390
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
391
drum and bugle corps
An ensemble consisting of brass and percussion instruments that perform choreographed marching maneuvers as they play
392
drumhead
The membrane or plastic that stretches over the top of a drum which is struck by a mallet, brushes, or drumstick
393
drum kit, drum set
A group of drums, cymbals and other percussion instruments positioned so that one person can easily play them
394
drumstick
a cylindrical wooden stick that is used to strike a drum
395
D.S.
abbreviation for Dal Segno
396
due (It.)
two
397
duet
1. a composition for two performers 2. a composition for two performers playing on one instrument, usually the piano
398
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
399
dumka (Pol.)
A slavonic fold ballad
400
dumb, domp, dumpe
English instrumental music of the 16th and early 17th centuries
401
duple meter
a time signature with two beats to the measure
402
duplet
two notes played in the time of three
403
duramente (It.)
harshly
404
duration
length
405
durchführung (Gr.)
1. The exposition of a fugue 2. The development of a sonata form.
406
dyad
A group of two tones
407
dynamic markings
The symbols that indicate varying degrees of volume
408
e (It.)
and
409
ear training
The process of learning how to recognize and notate pitches, intervals and rhythms
410
ecco (It.)
echo
411
echo
quiet repetition of a previous phrase
412
écossaise (Fr.)
A French country dance usually in 2/4 time, popular in the late 18th and early 19th centuries
413
eighth note
a note half the length of a quarter note
414
eighth rest
a rest half the length of quarter rest
415
Einklang (Gr.)
Unison
416
Einsatz (Gr.)
1. An entrance 2. An attack
417
Electric Bass
An electric solid-body guitar with four strings tuned to the same pitches as the double bass
418
electric guitar
a guitar that is electronically amplified with a pickup
419
electric piano
An electronic keyboard instrument that creates sounds by striking bars, reeds or strings
420
electronic instrument
an instrument whose sound is completely or partially created by an electronic device or is electronically amplified
421
electronic music
Music partially or completely created, manipulated or reproduced by electronic devices including electronic instruments, synthesizers and recording equipment
422
elegy
a piece in a melancholy mood usually written in honor of someone's death
423
eleventh
the diatonic interval from the first to the eleventh notes of a scale
424
embellishment
notes which are added to ornament a melody
425
embouchure (Fr.)
1. The position and shape of the mouth and lips of a wind player 2. A mouthpiece of a wind instrument
426
ému (Fr.)
With feeling, with emotion
427
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
428
end-blown flute
a recorder. A flute that is played vertically.
429
English Horn
an alto oboe in F, that sounds a fifth below its written pitch
430
enharmonic
Two notes that sound the same but are spelled differently
431
ensemble (Fr.)
any group of musicians performing together
432
entr'acte (Fr.)
An instrumental piece performed between acts of a play, opera or ballet
433
entrada (Sp.)
A prelude or introduction
434
episode
1. A section of a fugue that does not inlaced the subject 2. A secondary section of a piece that does not include the main theme
435
equal temperament
the tuning of an octave into 12 equal semitones
436
eroica (It.)
Heroic
437
escape tone
In harmony, a non-harmonic tone approached by a step and left by a leap in the opposite direction
438
espressivo (It.)
Expressive. Abbreviated espress.
439
estampie (Fr.)
Instrumental or vocal dance music from the 13th and 14th centuries
440
estinto (It.)
Barely audible, as soft as possible
441
ethnomusicology
The study of music in relation to its cultural context
442
ethos (Gr.)
The ancient Greek concept that each scale implies a different character or mood
443
étouffé (Fr.)
muted, damped
444
étude (Fr.)
a study. A piece that emphasizes a specific technique
445
etwas (Gr.)
Somewhat
446
euphonium
a brass instrument similar to a baritone horn but with a larger bore and four valves
447
eurhythmics
a system developed by Emile Jackques-Dalcroze that teaches rhythm through the movement of the body
448
evaded cadence
a cadence that does not resolve where it is expected to resolve
449
exercise
a short technical study
450
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 of the voices
451
expressionism
a style of early 20th-century music where composers expressed their innermost feelings as opposed to impressionism
452
expression marks
words or symbols that indicate how a piece should be interpreted, i.e., articulation, dynamics, tempo, etc.
453
f (with fancy italics...)
The abbreviation for forte
454
fa, fah
1. In the fixed-do system, the note F 2. In the movable-do system, the fourth note of the scale
455
faburden
A 15th century English compositional technique where parallel thirds and sixths are used
456
facile (It.)
Easy
457
fado (Port.)
A popular Portuguese song and dance
458
Fagott (Ger.)
Bassoon
459
fake book
A collection of popular songs where only the melody lines, lyrics and chord symbols are given.
460
falsetto (It.)
A method used by male singers to extend their vocal range above the normal range
461
fandango (Sp.)
A lively Spanish dance in triple meter
462
fanfare
A ceremonial prelude or flourish commonly played by brass instruments
463
fantaisie, fantasia, fantasy (Fr. and It.)
1. Music with an improvisatory feel 2. A piece in free form 3. Improvisation
464
farandola, farandole (It. and Fr.)
A quick circle-dance
465
F clef
the bass clef
466
feedback
A "whining" sound created when sound being output is fed back through the input during amplification. This sound if often used by guitarists as an effect
467
feminine cadence
when a final chord occurs on a weak beat
468
fermata
A hold or pause sign (eyeball sign lol) that indicates a note should be held longer than its normal duration
469
ff (fancy italics)
abbreviation for fortissimo
470
fff (fancy italics)
Abbreviation for fortississimo
471
f-hole
the f-shaped holes found in many stringed instruments
472
fiato (It.)
"Stromenti a fiato" are wind instruments. Literally means breath
473
fiddle
slang for violin
474
fife
a small flute with six to eight holes
475
fifth
the interval of five diatonic steps
476
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
477
film music
music composed or adapted for a film
478
fin (Fr.)
end
479
finale (It.)
1. The last movement of a piece in several movements 2. The closing section of an opera
480
fine (It.)
End
481
fingerboard
the part of a stringed instrument where the fingers press down on the strings to produce different pitches.
482
finger cymbals
small cymbals in pairs that are placed on the fingers and struck together
483
fingering, finger
1. The placement of fingers on an instrument 2. The markings in music that guide a performer's placement of their fingers
484
fingerpicking
a style of guitar or banjo playin where the player uses their fingers or fingerpicks to pluck the strings
485
fingerpicks
metal or plastic picks that attack to each finger of the picking hand of a guitar or banjo player
486
Five, the Russian
A group of five Russian composers who, in the late 19th century, wrote in a nationalist style. They were Balakirev, Borodin, Cui, Mussorgsky and Rimsky-Korsakov
487
fixed-do
In this system, the note C is always called do, as opposed to the system of movable-do
488
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.
489
flageolet
A small 16th century end-blown wind instrument similar to a recorder
490
flam
A drum rudiment consisting of a short grace note played before the main note
491
flamenco (Sp.)
1. A rhythmic Andalusian (Spanish) dance of song 2. A rhythmical and improvisatory style of guitar playing
492
flat
1. The symbol (b) that indicates a note to be lowered one half step 2. When a pitch is lower than normal, i.e. out of tune
493
flauto (It.)
flute
494
flebile (It.)
Mournful
495
Flemish school
Renaissance composers from the Netherlands and Belgium who developed the polyphonic style of that period. Notable composers include Ockeghem and des Pres
496
Flexatone
A percussion instrument consisting of a thin triangular piece of steel and two wooden knobs attached to springs. When shaken, the wooden nobs strike the thin steel creating a sound similar to a musical saw
497
flip
a technique on wind instruments where the main note is played, raised in pitch and then is dropped into the following note
498
flourish
1. A trumpet fanfare 2. A passage with ornamentation
499
flute pipes
Organ pipes that create sounds without the use of reeds
500
flugelhorn
a brass instrument similar to a cornet, but with a larger bore and a mellow tone
501
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
502
flûte à bec (Fr.)
Recorder
503
flutter tonguing
A tonguing technique on wind instruments where a tremolo effect is created by rapid fluttering of the tongue
504
folk music/song
1. Music passed down orally from generation to generation 2. Music of a specific region
505
foot
The unit of measurement for the pitch and size of organ pipes
506
form
the organization and structure of a composition
507
forte (It.)
Loud, abbreviated
508
fortepiano (It.)
Early name for the piano
509
fortissimo (It.)
Very loud
510
fortississimo (It.)
Very, very loud
511
forza (It.)
With force
512
forzando (It.)
accented
513
fourth
the interval of four diatonic steps
514
fox trot
a ballroom dance in duple meter that originated in the Unite States around 1913
515
fp (fancy italics)
Abbreviation for dynamic symbol meaning loud (forte) then soft (piano)
516
française (Fr.)
A French country dance in triple meter
517
free reed
a thin tongue of metal that is fastened over an opening through which air is forced either by bellows or by the player's lungs
518
French horn
a circular-shaped brass instrument with a conical bore and a mellow tone
519
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
520
French sixth
A chord consisting of major third, augmented fourth, and augmented sixth above the bass. Sometimes called an "augmented six-four-three."
521
frequency
The pitch of a sound determined by the number of vibrations per second that are created by a given tone
522
fret
thin wedges of wood, metal or ivory that are placed across the fingerboard of certain stringed instruments primarily the guitar, banjo and mandolin
523
fretboard
a fingerboard with frets
524
Freude (Gr.)
Joy
525
frisch (Gr.)
Vigorous, lively
526
frog
the end of the bow that is held by the players hand
527
fuga (Lat.)
1. Fugue 2. In music from the middle ages until the 17th century - a canon
528
fugato (It.)
A passage in the style of a fugue
529
fughetta (It.)
a short fugue
530
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
531
full score
a score where every instrumental and/or vocal part appears on its own staff
532
fundamental
1. The root of a chord 2. The lowest note of a part appears on its own staff
533
funèbre (Fr.)
Funeral
534
funk
A highly-amplified style of rhythm and blues
535
fuoco
Fire, passion
536
furiant
A quick Bohemian dance with frequently changing rhythms and accents
537
fusion
A style of popular music that combines the styles of jazz and rock
538
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
539
fz (With italics)
Abbreviation for forzando and sforzando
540
Gagaku
Orchestral music of the Japanese court that dates back to the 8th century
541
gallant
The light elegant style of the 18th century.
542
galliard
A spirited dance from the 15th century in triple meter
543
galop
a quick round dance of the mid-19th century in 2/4 time
544
gamelan
An Indonesian orchestra consisting of gongs, drums, cymbals, pitched percussion and some stringed and woodwind instruments
545
gato
A popular country dance of Argentina in 3/4 or 6/8 time
546
gavotte (Fr.)
A French dance of the 17th century in duple meter that begins on the upbeat
547
G clef
The treble clef
548
Gebrauchsmusik (Gr.)
Utility music. Music that is to be played by amateurs
549
gedämpft (Gr.)
Muted
550
Gehend (Gr.)
Andante
551
Geige (Gr.)
Violin
552
gemässigt (Gr.)
Moderate
553
gemendo (It.)
Lamenting
554
German Sixth
A chord consisting of a major third, perfect fifth and augmented sixth above the bass. Sometimes called an "augmented six-five-three."
555
Gesang (Gr.)
Song
556
geschleift (Gr.)
Legato
557
gestopft (Gr.)
Stopped. The muting of a horn with the hand that produces a buzzing sound.
558
gig
slang for a musical job
559
gigue (Fr.)
1. A dance, usually in 6/8, commonly found in a suite 2. a jig
560
giocoso (It.)
Humorous
561
Giusto (It.)
Exact, strict
562
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 as the glass harmonica
563
glee
Unaccompanied English secular choral music of the 18th century
564
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.
565
Glocke (Gr.)
A bell
566
Glockenspiel (Gr.)
A percussion instrument made up of tuned metal bars that are arranged like a keyboard and played with mallets
567
Gloria (Lat.)
The second part of the Ordinary of the Mass. It means Glory (to God in the highest)
568
gong
A suspended circular metal plate that is struck with a large felt mallet. Also known as tam-tam
569
gopak
A Ukrainian folk dance in a quick 2/4 time. Sometimes spelled hopak
570
grace note
a small note played quickly before the beat. not to be confused with an appoggiatura
571
gran, grand', grande (It.)
Large, great
572
gran cassa (It.)
Bass drum
573
grandioso (It.)
Grand, majestic
574
grand opera
An opera, usually in five acts, that treats a heroic, historic or mythological subject in a grand style
575
grand pause
A rest for all performers in an ensemble. Abbreviated G.P. and sometimes referred to a s a general pause
576
grand piano
A piano with its frame, strings and soundboard arranged horizontallygr
577
grand staff
The combination of the bass and treble staves which is commonly used to notate music for the piano
578
grave (It.)
Slow, heavy, solemn
579
gravicembalo (It.)
Harpsichord
580
grazia, grazioso (It.)
Grace
581
Gregorian Chant
Roman Catholic liturgical chants developed by Pope Gregory I
582
grosso, grosse (It.)
Great, large
583
growl
A harsh sound played on a wind instrument that imitates the growl of an animalgrun
584
grunge
A style of rock similar to heavy metal, popular in the 1990's
585
gruppetto, groppo, gruppo (It.)
Ornaments or groups of grace notes
586
guaracha
A Spanish folk dance in two sections, one in triple meter, the other in duple meter
587
guiro
A percussion instrument consisting of a notched gourd which is "scraped" by a stick
588
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.
589
gusto (It.)
Style, zest
590
H.
Abbreviation for "Hoboken," the cataloger of Haydn's works. H numbers are used for Haydn's compositions in place of opus numbers
591
habanera (Sp.)
A syncopated Cuban dance in duple meter
592
half note
A note one half the length of a whole note
593
half rest
A rest half the length of a whole rest
594
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.
595
hammer
Small felt-covered hammers that strike the strings of a piano
596
Hammerclavier (Gr.)
Pianoforte
597
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.
598
handbell
A musically tuned bell with a handle usually made of leather r 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
599
hand organ
1. English barrel organ 2. Italian street organ used by organ-grinders
600
harmonica
1. 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 can be diatonic or chromatic
601
harmonic analysis
The study of harmonics or chords within a piece of music
602
harmonic minor
A natural minor scale with a raised seventh providing a leading tone
603
harmonic rhythm
The pattern created by changes of harmony throughout a composition
604
harmonics
notes of the harmonic series which are very clear and pure
605
harmonic series
A series of notes (overtones) that vibrate above a fundamental note. Some notes are out of tune
606
harmonium
A free-reed organ in which the air is supplied by bellows which are operated by pedals
607
harmony
the result produced when tones are sounded simultaneously
608
harp
1. A stringed instrument with a triangular shape whose strings run vertically and seven pedals that change the pitch of strings 2. slang for a harmonica
609
harpsichord
A keyboard instrument similar to the piano, but strings are plucked by a quill rather than struck by a hammer
610
hastig (Gr.)
Hurrying
611
Hauptstimme
The principal part
612
haut, haute (Gr.)
High
613
hautbois, hautboy (Fr.)
Oboe
614
head
1. The beginning of a piece or movement 2. The tip of a bow 3. A drumhead
615
head voice
The higher register of a voice
616
heavy metal
Highly amplified style of rock music popular from the late 1960's through the 1980's
617
heckelphone
A baritone oboe with a range one octave below the oboe
618
Heldentenor (Gr.)
Heroic tenor. A tenor with a robust voice, used for singing highly demanding operatic roles.
619
Helicon
A tuba with a circular shape designed to allow the player to carry it over the shoulder while marching.
620
Hemidemisemiquaver
Sixty-fourth note
621
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.
622
Hertz
A unit of measuring cycles per second of waveforms. Abbreviated Hz
623
Heterophony (Gr.)
The simultaneous performance of modified or ornamented versions of the same melody performed by two or more singers or instrumentalists.
624
Hexachord
A group of six notes.
625
High Fidelity
sounds produced electronically with a very high quality.
626
Hi-hat-Cymbals
A pair of horizontally mounted cymbals on a stand which are struck together by means of a foot pedal.
627
Hocket
A medieval polyphonic device where on voice will stop and another will come in, usually for only one note or a short phrase, creating a "hiccuping" effect.
628
Homophony
Music with one melodic part that is supported by a chordal accompaniment.
629
Homorhythmic
When all the voices or parts move in the same rhythm.
630
Honky-Tonk
A loud, tinny style of ragtime piano playing from the early 20th Century.
631
Hook
A memorable phrase of a song repeated several times in order to intrigue or "hook" the listener.
632
Hornpipe
A lively English dance popular from the 16th to 19th centuries.
633
Humbucking Pickup
A pickup on electric guitars and basses that eliminates noise and hum.
634
