Essential Dictionary of Music: Handpicked Terms Flashcards

1
Q

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

A

Acciaccatura

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2
Q

A tempo slightly faster than adagio.

A

Adagietto

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3
Q

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

A

Adagio

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4
Q

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

A

Added sixth

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5
Q

With grief (It.)

A

Addolorato

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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

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7
Q

With tender emotion (It.)

A

Affetuoso

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8
Q

Sad, melancholy (It.)

A

Afflitto

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9
Q

Hurrying (It.)

A

Affrettando

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10
Q

Lightly. (It.)

A

Algilmente

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11
Q

Agitated. (It.)

A

Agitato

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12
Q

The fifth part from the Ordinary of the Mass. literally means “Lamb of God.”

A

Agnus Dei

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13
Q

To emphasize a note by giving it a longer duration than normal.

A

Agogic Accent

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14
Q

A song, melody, or tune

A

Air

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15
Q

In the style of. (It.)

A

Al, alla, alle

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16
Q

To the coda (It.)

A

Al coda

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17
Q

When elements of a piece of music are determined by chance.

A

Aleatory Music

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18
Q

To the end (It.)

A

Al fine

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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

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20
Q

Becoming slower and broader (It.)

A

Allargando

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21
Q

A lively, quick tempo that is slightly slower than allegro. (It.)

A

Allegretto

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22
Q

Cheerful, quick or fast (It.)

A

Allegro

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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

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24
Q

Slowing (It.)

A

Allentando

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25
Q

Go to the sign (It.)

A

Al segno

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26
Q

The raising or lowering of a note with an accidental.

A

Alteration

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27
Q

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

A

Altered chord

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28
Q

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

A

Alto clef

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29
Q

Another (It.)

A

Altra

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30
Q

Tender, gentle (It.)

A

Amabile

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31
Q

Love (It.)

A

Amore

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32
Q

The volume of sound.

A

Amplitude

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33
Q

On the bridge (Ger.)

A

am Steg

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34
Q

Upbeat or pickup

A

Anacrusis

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35
Q

The study of form and structure in music

A

Analysis

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36
Q

A moderate, graceful tempo slower than allegretto and faster than adagio. (It.)

A

Andante

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37
Q

A tempo slightly faster or slower than andante. (It.)

A

Andantino

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38
Q

English (Fr.)

A

Anglaise

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39
Q

Spirited, animated. (It.)

A

Animoso/Animato

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40
Q

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

A

Answer

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41
Q

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

A

Antecedent

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42
Q

A Protestant choral composition, with religious text.

A

Anthem

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43
Q

One or more non-harmonic tones played before the chord in which it belongs.

A

Anticipation

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44
Q

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

A

Antiphon

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45
Q

When separate groups or performers alternate or respond to each other.

A

Antiphonal

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46
Q

Passionately. (It.)

A

Appassionato

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47
Q

Emphasized. (It.)

A

Appoggiando

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48
Q

A non harmonic grace note that resolves stepwise to a harmonic note. (It.)

A

Appoggiatura

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49
Q

Bowed. To bow a stringed instrument. (It.)

A

Arcato

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50
Q

To bow a stringed instrument (It.)

A

Arco

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51
Q

Spirited, bolded (It.)

A

Ardito

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52
Q

A solo vocal piece usually associated with opera and oratorios (It.)

A

Aria

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53
Q

A comic aria (It.)

A

Aria buffa

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54
Q

Lyrically (It.)

A

Arioso

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55
Q

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

A

Arrangement

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56
Q

Literally “old art.” Used to indicate music of the 12th and 13th centuries, especially the music of Leonin and Perotin (Lat.)

A

Ars Antiqua

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57
Q

Literally “new art.” Used to indicate the music of the 14th century, especially the music of Machaut and Landini (Lat.)

A

Ars Nova

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58
Q

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

A

Artificial harmonic

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59
Q

Very, extremely (It.)

A

assai

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60
Q

Enough, fairly (Fr.)

A

Assez

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61
Q

Return to the original tempo or speed (It.)

A

a tempo

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62
Q

Music without a tonal center or key.

A

atonal

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63
Q

Continue immediately to next section or movement without a break (It.)

A

attacca

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64
Q

The act of beginning a note or phrase

A

attack

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65
Q

The electronic representation of sound

A

audio

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66
Q

Soaring (Ger.)

A

Aufschwung

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67
Q

Elongating the duration of notes

A

augmentation

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68
Q

A major triad with the fifth raised a half step.

A

augmented triad

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69
Q

an interval raised by a half step

A

augmented interval

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70
Q

A chord that includes the interval of an augmented sixth, that resolves outward to an octave (Ex. French, Italian, and German ________)

A

Augmented Sixth Chord

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71
Q

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

A

Authentic cadence

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72
Q

A mode whose key note is the lowest note.

A

Authentic mode

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73
Q

Slang for a musical instrument

A

Axe

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74
Q

The smallest sized grand piano

A

Baby grand

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75
Q

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

A

back beat

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76
Q

Short instrumental pieces

A

bagatelle

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77
Q

In the style of a dance (It.)

A

ballabile

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78
Q

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

A

Ballad

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79
Q

1: A dramatic instrumental composition 2: A medieval poetic French song

A

Ballade

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80
Q

A dance set to music that depicts a story (Fr.)

A

Ballet

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81
Q

Another word for measure

A

bar

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82
Q

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

A

Barcarolle

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83
Q

The male singing voice which is between the bass and tenor.

A

Baritone

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84
Q

The f clef on the third line of the staff

A

baritone clef

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85
Q

A vertical line that divides measures or bars

A

bar line

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86
Q

The historical period of music from 1600-1750

A

Baroque

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87
Q

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

A

Bass guitar

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88
Q

Comical bass voice in an opera. (It.)

A

Basso buffo

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89
Q

The low-pitched double-reed bass member of the oboe family which has a soft mellow tone.

A

Bassoon

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90
Q

A bass part of a composition that is repeated.

A

basso ostinato

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91
Q

The stick used by a conductor to lead an ensemble.

A

Baton

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92
Q

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

A

beam

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93
Q

unit of measurement of rhythmic time

A

beat

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94
Q

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

A

Bebop

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95
Q

Vocal style of great Italian singers of the 18th and early 19th centuries, characterized by flawless technique and beautiful tone. Literally means “beautiful singing.”

A

Bel canto

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96
Q

From the Mass, the conclusion of the Sanctus. Literally “blessed”

A

Benedictus

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97
Q

An Italian peasant’s dance from the 16th and 17th centuries, based on the harmonic progression of I-IV-V-I. (It.)

A

Bergamasca

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98
Q

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.

A

big band

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99
Q

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

A

binary form

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100
Q

a soft tremolo effect on the harp. Literally means “whispering.”

A

bisbigliando

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101
Q

when two key centers (or tonalities) are used simultaneously

A

bitonality

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102
Q

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

A

blue grass

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103
Q

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

A

blue notes

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104
Q

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

A

blues

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105
Q

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

A

Boehm system

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106
Q

A Spanish dance usually in 3/4 time

A

Bolero

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107
Q

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

A

Bongos

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108
Q

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

A

Boogie Woogie

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109
Q

The diameter of a woodwind or brass instrument.

A

Bore

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110
Q

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

A

Bossa Nova

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111
Q

A bracket connecting two or more staves.

A

Brace

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112
Q

A 15th century dance usually in duple time. (Fr.)

A

Branle

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113
Q

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

A

Brass Quintet

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114
Q

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

A

Brass trio

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115
Q

Boldness, virtuosity. A piece requiring technical proficiency. (It.)

A

Bravura

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116
Q

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

A

Breve

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117
Q

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.

A

break

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118
Q

A thin piece of wood on stringed instruments that holds the strings away from the belly of the instrument.

A

bridge

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119
Q

brilliant (It.)

A

Brillante

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120
Q

Brio (It.)

A

Vigor, spirit

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121
Q

Brisé (Fr.)

A

Arpeggiated Playing

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122
Q

Bruscamente (It.)

A

Brusquely, accented

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123
Q

Brushes

A

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

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124
Q

Buffo, buffa (It.)

A

Comical

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125
Q

Bugle

A
  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
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126
Q

Burden

A
  1. The refrain of a song 2. The drone of a bagpipe
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127
Q

Burgundian School

A

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

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128
Q

Burlesque

A
  1. A musical farce 2. A comical stage show composed of various unrelated segments
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129
Q

BWV

A

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.

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130
Q

Byzantine Chant

A

Christian church chants similar to Gregorian chant from the Byzantine Empire (330-1433 A.D.)

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131
Q

Cabaletta (It.)

A
  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.
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132
Q

Caccia (It.)

A

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

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133
Q

Cacophony

A

A harsh dissonant sound. Dissonance

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134
Q

Cadence

A

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

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135
Q

Cadenza (It.)

A

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

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136
Q

Cadenzato (It.)

A

Rhythmical

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137
Q

Caesura (It.)

A

A symbol // indicating a sudden pause in the music

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138
Q

Caisse (Fr.)

A

A drum

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139
Q

Cakewalk

A

An American dance popular in the 1890’s with ragtime rhythms

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140
Q

calando (It.)

A

Gradually diminishing becoming softer and sometimes slower

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141
Q

calcando (It.)

A

Accelerating the tempo

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142
Q

calliope

A

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

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143
Q

calma, calmando, calmato (It.)

A

quieting, calming

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144
Q

calore (It.)

A

Passion, warmth

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145
Q

Calypso

A

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

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146
Q

cambiata (It.)

A

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

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147
Q

camera (It.)

A

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

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148
Q

camerata (It.)

A

Small schools of writers and musicians in the 16th century

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149
Q

camminando (It.)

A

Walking, flowing

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150
Q

campanelle (It.)

A
  1. Small bells 2. Glockenspiel
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151
Q

cancan (Fr.)

A

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

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152
Q

canción (Sp.)

A

Spanish for song

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153
Q

canon

A

The strictest form of counterpoint where on melody begins, followed at a specific interval of time by the same melody note for note

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154
Q

cantabile (It.)

A

singing

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155
Q

cantare (It.)

A

to sing

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156
Q

cantata (It.)

A

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

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157
Q

canticle

A

A non-metrical hymn used in a church service

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158
Q

canto (It.)

A
  1. Melody, song 2. The instrument or voice with the melody
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159
Q

cantor (It.)

A

A solo singer who leads musical portions of religious services

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160
Q

cantus firmus (Lat.)

A

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

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161
Q

canzonet (It.)

A

a short instrumental or vocal piece

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162
Q

capo (It.)

A
  1. The head or beginning of a piece 2. The nut of a stringed instrument 3. capotasto
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163
Q

capotasto (It.)

A
  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
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164
Q

capriccio, caprice (It. and Fr.)

A

An instrumental piece in a free form

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165
Q

capriccioso (It.)

A

Capricious, lively, fanciful

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166
Q

carol

A

a joyous song of praise, usually sung at Christmas time

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167
Q

cassa (It.)

A

Drum

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168
Q

castanets

A

Two small concave pieces of wood or ivory which are struck together to create a clicking sound.

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169
Q

castrato (It.)

A

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.

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170
Q

catch

A

a humorous round or canon for three or more voices

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171
Q

cavatina (It.)

A
  1. Songlike instrumental piece 2. A short solo aria
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172
Q

C clef

A

a movable clef that indicates the placement of middle C on the staff.

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173
Q

cédez (Fr.)

A

slow down

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174
Q

celere (It.)

A

quick

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175
Q

celesta (It.)

A

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

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176
Q

cent

A

“Hundredth.” A unit of measuring intervals in music. Each half-step is made up of a 100 cents

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177
Q

cha-cha

A

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

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178
Q

chaconne (Fr.)

A
  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
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179
Q

chalumeau (Fr.)

A
  1. the lowest register of the clarinet 2. Thew 17th century name for an early oboe or clarinet 3. The chanter of a bagpipe.
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180
Q

chamber music

A

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

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181
Q

chamber orchestra

A

a small orchestra

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182
Q

chance music

A

another word for aleotory music

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183
Q

changes

A

slang for chord progression

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184
Q

chanson (Fr.)

A

song

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185
Q

chant

A

unaccompanied monophonic sacred plainsong in free rhythm.

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186
Q

chanter

A

the pipe on the bagpipe where the melody is played

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187
Q

chanterelle (Fr.)

A

the highest string on a stringed instrument

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188
Q

chantey, shanty

A

a work song sung by sailors

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189
Q

character piece

A

a short instrumental composition that expresses a mood or story

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190
Q

Charleston

A

A fast American dance popular in the 1920’s

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191
Q

chart(s)

A

slang for a musical score and/or parts

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192
Q

chest voice

A

the lower register of a voice

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193
Q

chiesa (It.)

A

music to be played in the church as opposed to camera which is to be played outside the church. Literally means “church”

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194
Q

chimes

A

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

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195
Q

chitarrone (It.)

A

the largest lute

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196
Q

chiusa (It.)

A

closed

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197
Q

choeur (Fr.)

A

choir, chorus

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198
Q

choir

A

a group of church singers, or singers of sacred music

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199
Q

choke

A

to quickly stop the vibration of a percussion instrument

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200
Q

chops

A

slang for musicians technique

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201
Q

choral, chorale

A

vocal music or a group of singers

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202
Q

chord

A

Three or more tones sounded simultaneously. Two tones are usually referred to as an interval or a dyad

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203
Q

chordophones

A

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

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204
Q

chorister

A

a singer in a choir

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205
Q

chorus

A
  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
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206
Q

chromatic

A
  1. Notes foreign to a key or scale 2. A series of notes moving in half-steps
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207
Q

chromaticism

A

the use of chromatic chords and intervals

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208
Q

chromatic scale

A

a scale composed of all twelve half steps of an octave

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209
Q

church modes

A

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

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210
Q

cimbalom

A

A large Hungarian dulcimer

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211
Q

cinelli (It.)

A

cymbals

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212
Q

circle of fifths

A

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

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213
Q

circular breathing

A

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.

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214
Q

cither, cithern

A

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

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215
Q

clam

A

slang for a wrong note

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216
Q

clarinet

A

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

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217
Q

classical

A
  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
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218
Q

clausula

A
  1. cadence 2. compositions of the 12th and 13th centuries based on a short fragment of the Gregorian chant
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219
Q

claves

A

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

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220
Q

clavichord

A

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

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221
Q

clef

A

the symbol written at the beginning of a staff that indicates which notes are represented by which lines and spaces

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222
Q

cloches (Fr.)

A

bells, chimes

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223
Q

close harmony

A

When the tones of a chord are as close together as possible, usually written within an octave

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224
Q

clusters

A

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

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225
Q

coda (It.)

A

an ending section of a movement or piece

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226
Q

codetta (It.)

A

a short coda

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227
Q

col (It.)

A

with

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228
Q

col arco (It.)

A

with the bow

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229
Q

coll’, colla (It.)

A

with the

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230
Q

col legno (It.)

A

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

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231
Q

coll’ottava (It.)

A

Play the written notes and those notes one octave higher

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232
Q

coll’ottava bassa (It.)

A

Play the written notes and those notes one octave lower.

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233
Q

coloratura (It.)

A

Fast, ornamented, virtuoso-like vocal music

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234
Q

combo

A

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

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235
Q

come prima (It.)

A

as before

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236
Q

come sopra (It.)

A

As above

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237
Q

comic opera

A

an opera with comical elements and a happy ending

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238
Q

common chord

A

a major or minor triad

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239
Q

common time

A

4/4 meter. A C is also used to indicate it

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240
Q

common tone

A

a note that is the same in two consecutive chords

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241
Q

còmodo (It.)

A

Comfortable, leisurely

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242
Q

comp

A

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

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243
Q

composer

A

a person who writes music

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244
Q

compound interval

A

an interval greater than an octave

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245
Q

compound meter

A

a time signature where each beat is divisible by three. (6/8, 9/4, 12/8)

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246
Q

compression

A

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

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247
Q

compressor

A

a device used for compression

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248
Q

con (It.)

A

with

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249
Q

concert

A

A public performance of music

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250
Q

concertante (It.)

A

A piece for two or more soloists with orchestral accompaniment

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251
Q

concert band

A

an ensemble consisting of woodwind, brass and percussion instruments

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252
Q

concert grand

A

the largest grand piano

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253
Q

concertina (It.)

A

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

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254
Q

concertino (It.)

A
  1. A short concerto usually in one movement 2. The group of soloists in a concerto grosso
255
Q

concertmaster

A

The first violinist in an orhcestra

256
Q

concerto (It.)

A

A composition for orhcestra and soloist

257
Q

concerto grosso (It.)

A

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

258
Q

concert overture

A

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

259
Q

concert pitch

A
  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
Q

conduct

A

to direct a group of musicians

261
Q

conductor

A

the director of a group of musicians

262
Q

conductus

A

Sacred or secular Latin songs written in the 12th century

263
Q

conga

A

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

264
Q

conjunct

A

successive notes of scale

265
Q

consequent

A
  1. The second phrase in a musical period. 2. The answer of a fugue. Also see antecedent
266
Q

conservatory

A

A school specializing in music

267
Q

console

A
  1. The part of the organ operated by the organist. 2. An upright piano slightly taller than a spinet
268
Q

consonance

A

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
Q

con sordino (It.)

A

With mute. Abbreviated con sord.

270
Q

consort

A

An old English term for a chamber group

271
Q

contra (It.)

A

An octave below. Literally means “against”

272
Q

contrabass

A

the double bass

273
Q

contradanza

A

English country dance

274
Q

contrafagotto (It.)

A

Double bassoon-contrabassoon

275
Q

contrapuntal

A

in the style of counterpoint

276
Q

contrary motion

A

Two lines of music moving in opposite directions.

277
Q

cor (Fr.)

A

Horn

278
Q

cor anglais (Fr.)

A

English Horn

279
Q

corda (It.), Corde (Fr.)

A

String

280
Q

cornet, cornetta

A

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

281
Q

cornett

A

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
Q

cornopean

A

Old name for a cornet

283
Q

coro (It.)

A

Chorus or choir

284
Q

cotillon (Fr.)

A
  1. French dance popular during the 18th and 19th centuries that would be the final dance of the evening 2. A quadrille
285
Q

counterpoint

A

composing with two or more melodies that are to be played simultaneously. Literally “note against note”

286
Q

country

A

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

287
Q

courante (Fr.)

A

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

288
Q

cowbell

A

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
Q

crab canon

A

a canon in which one part is played backwards-retrograde

290
Q

crash cymbal

A
  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
Q

Credo (Lat.)

A

The third part of the Ordinary of the Mass. Means “I believe”

292
Q

Crescendo (It.)

A

Gradually becoming louder. Abbreviated cresc.

293
Q

crook

A

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

294
Q

cross rhythm

A
  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
Q

crotales

A

Small tuned cymbals

296
Q

Crotchet

A

Quarter Note

297
Q

csárdas

A

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
Q

cue

A
  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
Q

cut time

A

2/2 meter. Sometimes the c with a line through it is used

300
Q

cycle

A

a group of complete pieces or songs that are to be used

301
Q

cyclic, cyclical

A
  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
Q

D

A

Abbreviation for “Deutsch,” the cataloguer of Schubert’s works. D numbers are used for Schubert’s compositions in place of opus numbers

303
Q

da capo (It.)

A

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

304
Q

da capo al coda (It.)

A

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

305
Q

da capo al fine (It.)

A

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

306
Q

da capo aria (It.)

A

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

307
Q

dal segno (It.)

A

Go back and play from the sign (an S with a slash sign) Abbreviated D.S.

308
Q

dal segno al coda (It.)

A

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

309
Q

dal segno al fine (It.)

A

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

310
Q

damper

A
  1. On a piano, the mechanism that stops the strings from vibrating 2. Mute
311
Q

damper pedal

A

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

312
Q

Dampfer (Gr.)

A

Mute

313
Q

dance

A
  1. To rhythmically move to music 2. A composition used to accompany those who are dancing
314
Q

danse, danza (Fr. and It.)

A

Dance

315
Q

dB

A

abbreviation for decibel

316
Q

D.C.

A

abbreviation for da capo

317
Q

decay

A

the gradual fading out of a sound

318
Q

deceptive cadence

A

Where the progression moves from the dominant (V) chord to a chord other than the tonic (I) usually to the submediant (vi)

319
Q

decibel

A

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

320
Q

deciso (It.)

A

Decided, bold, with decision

321
Q

decrescendo (It.)

A

Gradually becoming softer > abbreviated decresc.

322
Q

degree

A

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

323
Q

delicato (It.)

A

Delicately

324
Q

demi- (Fr.)

A

half

325
Q

descant

A
  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
Q

desk

A

a music stand shared by two stringed instrument players

327
Q

destra (It.)

A

right

328
Q

détaché (Fr.)

A

detached bowing

329
Q

development

A

The harmonic, melodic, or rhythmic elaboration of a theme

330
Q

di (It.)

A

of, from, with, to

331
Q

diapason (Gr.)

A
  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
Q

diatonic

A

The notes found within a major or minor scale

333
Q

didgeridoo

A

a wind instrument native to Australia made of wood or bamboo

334
Q

die (Gr.)

A

the

335
Q

diése, diesis (Fr. and Gr.)

A

sharp

336
Q

Dies Irae (Lat.)

A

The sequence for the Requiem Mass. Literally means “day of wrath”

337
Q

diluendo (It.)

A

becoming softer

338
Q

diminished

A

smaller

339
Q

diminished interval

A

minor or perfect intervals lowered by a half step

340
Q

diminished seventh chord

A

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
Q

diminished triad

A

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

342
Q

diminuendo (It.)

A

Gradually becoming softer > Abbreviated dim.

343
Q

diminution

A

shortening the duration of notes

344
Q

direct

A

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

345
Q

dirge

A

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

346
Q

disco

A

Upbeat dance music popular in the 1970’s

347
Q

discothèque (Fr.)

A

a place where people gather to dance

348
Q

disjunct motion

A

moving by leaps

349
Q

dissonance

A

Two or more notes that when played together cause tension or require resolution

350
Q

distortion

A

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

351
Q

divertimento (It.)

A

A light instrumental piece with multiple movements.

352
Q

div.

A

abbreviation for divisi

353
Q

divertissement (Fr.)

A

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

354
Q

divisi (It.)

A

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

355
Q

Dixieland

A

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
Q

do (It.)

A
  1. In the fixed do system, the note C 2. In the movable-movable system, the first note of the scale
357
Q

Dobro

A

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

358
Q

dodecaphonic

A

Twelve tone music. (Serial music)

359
Q

dolt

A

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

360
Q

dolce (It.)

A

sweet

361
Q

dolente (It.)

A

Sorrowful

362
Q

doloroso (It.)

A

Sorrowful, grieved

363
Q

dominant

A

The fifth degree of a major or minor scale

364
Q

dominant seventh chord

A

A chord consisting of a root, major third, perfect fifth, and minor seventh

365
Q

domra

A

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

366
Q

Doppel (Ger.)

A

Double

367
Q

doppio (It.)

A

Double, twice

368
Q

Dorian

A

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
Q

dot

A
  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
Q

double

A
  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
Q

doublé (Fr.)

A

The turn

372
Q

double bar

A

Two vertical lines drawn through the staff that indicate the end of a section, movement, or piece

373
Q

double bass

A

The largest and lowest sounding of the violin family

374
Q

double concerto

A

A concerto for orchestra and two solo instruments

375
Q

double flat

A

the symbol (bb) that lowers the pitch of a note two half steps or one whole step

376
Q

double fugue

A

a fugue with two subjects

377
Q

double horn

A

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
Q

double reed

A

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
Q

double sharp

A

the symbol x that raises the pitch of a note two half steps or one whole step.

380
Q

double stop

A

two notes played simultaneously by one player

381
Q

double time

A

play twice as fast

382
Q

double tonguing

A

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

383
Q

douce, doux (Fr.)

A

sweet

384
Q

downbeat

A

Downward motion of a conductors that indicates the first beat of a measure

385
Q

down bow

A

to draw a bow downward from the frog to the tip. A down bow is indicated by a specific symbol

386
Q

doxology (Gr.)

A

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
Q

drag

A

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

388
Q

droit (Fr.)

A

Right

389
Q

drone

A

a long sustained note

390
Q

drum

A

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
Q

drum and bugle corps

A

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

392
Q

drumhead

A

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

393
Q

drum kit, drum set

A

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

394
Q

drumstick

A

a cylindrical wooden stick that is used to strike a drum

395
Q

D.S.

A

abbreviation for Dal Segno

396
Q

due (It.)

A

two

397
Q

duet

A
  1. a composition for two performers 2. a composition for two performers playing on one instrument, usually the piano
398
Q

dulcimer

A

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
Q

dumka (Pol.)

A

A slavonic fold ballad

400
Q

dumb, domp, dumpe

A

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

401
Q

duple meter

A

a time signature with two beats to the measure

402
Q

duplet

A

two notes played in the time of three

403
Q

duramente (It.)

A

harshly

404
Q

duration

A

length

405
Q

durchführung (Gr.)

A
  1. The exposition of a fugue 2. The development of a sonata form.
406
Q

dyad

A

A group of two tones

407
Q

dynamic markings

A

The symbols that indicate varying degrees of volume

408
Q

e (It.)

A

and

409
Q

ear training

A

The process of learning how to recognize and notate pitches, intervals and rhythms

410
Q

ecco (It.)

A

echo

411
Q

echo

A

quiet repetition of a previous phrase

412
Q

écossaise (Fr.)

A

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

413
Q

eighth note

A

a note half the length of a quarter note

414
Q

eighth rest

A

a rest half the length of quarter rest

415
Q

Einklang (Gr.)

A

Unison

416
Q

Einsatz (Gr.)

A
  1. An entrance 2. An attack
417
Q

Electric Bass

A

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

418
Q

electric guitar

A

a guitar that is electronically amplified with a pickup

419
Q

electric piano

A

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

420
Q

electronic instrument

A

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

421
Q

electronic music

A

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

422
Q

elegy

A

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

423
Q

eleventh

A

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

424
Q

embellishment

A

notes which are added to ornament a melody

425
Q

embouchure (Fr.)

A
  1. The position and shape of the mouth and lips of a wind player 2. A mouthpiece of a wind instrument
426
Q

ému (Fr.)

A

With feeling, with emotion

427
Q

encore (Fr.)

A

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

428
Q

end-blown flute

A

a recorder. A flute that is played vertically.

429
Q

English Horn

A

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

430
Q

enharmonic

A

Two notes that sound the same but are spelled differently

431
Q

ensemble (Fr.)

A

any group of musicians performing together

432
Q

entr’acte (Fr.)

A

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

433
Q

entrada (Sp.)

A

A prelude or introduction

434
Q

episode

A
  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
Q

equal temperament

A

the tuning of an octave into 12 equal semitones

436
Q

eroica (It.)

A

Heroic

437
Q

escape tone

A

In harmony, a non-harmonic tone approached by a step and left by a leap in the opposite direction

438
Q

espressivo (It.)

A

Expressive. Abbreviated espress.

439
Q

estampie (Fr.)

A

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

440
Q

estinto (It.)

A

Barely audible, as soft as possible

441
Q

ethnomusicology

A

The study of music in relation to its cultural context

442
Q

ethos (Gr.)

A

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

443
Q

étouffé (Fr.)

A

muted, damped

444
Q

étude (Fr.)

A

a study. A piece that emphasizes a specific technique

445
Q

etwas (Gr.)

A

Somewhat

446
Q

euphonium

A

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

447
Q

eurhythmics

A

a system developed by Emile Jackques-Dalcroze that teaches rhythm through the movement of the body

448
Q

evaded cadence

A

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

449
Q

exercise

A

a short technical study

450
Q

exposition

A
  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
Q

expressionism

A

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

452
Q

expression marks

A

words or symbols that indicate how a piece should be interpreted, i.e., articulation, dynamics, tempo, etc.

453
Q

f (with fancy italics…)

A

The abbreviation for forte

454
Q

fa, fah

A
  1. In the fixed-do system, the note F 2. In the movable-do system, the fourth note of the scale
455
Q

faburden

A

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

456
Q

facile (It.)

A

Easy

457
Q

fado (Port.)

A

A popular Portuguese song and dance

458
Q

Fagott (Ger.)

A

Bassoon

459
Q

fake book

A

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

460
Q

falsetto (It.)

A

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

461
Q

fandango (Sp.)

A

A lively Spanish dance in triple meter

462
Q

fanfare

A

A ceremonial prelude or flourish commonly played by brass instruments

463
Q

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

A
  1. Music with an improvisatory feel 2. A piece in free form 3. Improvisation
464
Q

farandola, farandole (It. and Fr.)

A

A quick circle-dance

465
Q

F clef

A

the bass clef

466
Q

feedback

A

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
Q

feminine cadence

A

when a final chord occurs on a weak beat

468
Q

fermata

A

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

469
Q

ff (fancy italics)

A

abbreviation for fortissimo

470
Q

fff (fancy italics)

A

Abbreviation for fortississimo

471
Q

f-hole

A

the f-shaped holes found in many stringed instruments

472
Q

fiato (It.)

A

“Stromenti a fiato” are wind instruments. Literally means breath

473
Q

fiddle

A

slang for violin

474
Q

fife

A

a small flute with six to eight holes

475
Q

fifth

A

the interval of five diatonic steps

476
Q

figured bass

A

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
Q

film music

A

music composed or adapted for a film

478
Q

fin (Fr.)

A

end

479
Q

finale (It.)

A
  1. The last movement of a piece in several movements 2. The closing section of an opera
480
Q

fine (It.)

A

End

481
Q

fingerboard

A

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

482
Q

finger cymbals

A

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

483
Q

fingering, finger

A
  1. The placement of fingers on an instrument 2. The markings in music that guide a performer’s placement of their fingers
484
Q

fingerpicking

A

a style of guitar or banjo playin where the player uses their fingers or fingerpicks to pluck the strings

485
Q

fingerpicks

A

metal or plastic picks that attack to each finger of the picking hand of a guitar or banjo player

486
Q

Five, the Russian

A

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
Q

fixed-do

A

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

488
Q

flag

A

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
Q

flageolet

A

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

490
Q

flam

A

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

491
Q

flamenco (Sp.)

A
  1. A rhythmic Andalusian (Spanish) dance of song 2. A rhythmical and improvisatory style of guitar playing
492
Q

flat

A
  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
Q

flauto (It.)

A

flute

494
Q

flebile (It.)

A

Mournful

495
Q

Flemish school

A

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

496
Q

Flexatone

A

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
Q

flip

A

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

498
Q

flourish

A
  1. A trumpet fanfare 2. A passage with ornamentation
499
Q

flute pipes

A

Organ pipes that create sounds without the use of reeds

500
Q

flugelhorn

A

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

501
Q

flute

A

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
Q

flûte à bec (Fr.)

A

Recorder

503
Q

flutter tonguing

A

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

504
Q

folk music/song

A
  1. Music passed down orally from generation to generation 2. Music of a specific region
505
Q

foot

A

The unit of measurement for the pitch and size of organ pipes

506
Q

form

A

the organization and structure of a composition

507
Q

forte (It.)

A

Loud, abbreviated

508
Q

fortepiano (It.)

A

Early name for the piano

509
Q

fortissimo (It.)

A

Very loud

510
Q

fortississimo (It.)

A

Very, very loud

511
Q

forza (It.)

A

With force

512
Q

forzando (It.)

A

accented

513
Q

fourth

A

the interval of four diatonic steps

514
Q

fox trot

A

a ballroom dance in duple meter that originated in the Unite States around 1913

515
Q

fp (fancy italics)

A

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

516
Q

française (Fr.)

A

A French country dance in triple meter

517
Q

free reed

A

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
Q

French horn

A

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

519
Q

French overture

A

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
Q

French sixth

A

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

521
Q

frequency

A

The pitch of a sound determined by the number of vibrations per second that are created by a given tone

522
Q

fret

A

thin wedges of wood, metal or ivory that are placed across the fingerboard of certain stringed instruments primarily the guitar, banjo and mandolin

523
Q

fretboard

A

a fingerboard with frets

524
Q

Freude (Gr.)

A

Joy

525
Q

frisch (Gr.)

A

Vigorous, lively

526
Q

frog

A

the end of the bow that is held by the players hand

527
Q

fuga (Lat.)

A
  1. Fugue 2. In music from the middle ages until the 17th century - a canon
528
Q

fugato (It.)

A

A passage in the style of a fugue

529
Q

fughetta (It.)

A

a short fugue

530
Q

fugue

A

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
Q

full score

A

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

532
Q

fundamental

A
  1. The root of a chord 2. The lowest note of a part appears on its own staff
533
Q

funèbre (Fr.)

A

Funeral

534
Q

funk

A

A highly-amplified style of rhythm and blues

535
Q

fuoco

A

Fire, passion

536
Q

furiant

A

A quick Bohemian dance with frequently changing rhythms and accents

537
Q

fusion

A

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

538
Q

fuzz tone

A

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
Q

fz (With italics)

A

Abbreviation for forzando and sforzando

540
Q

Gagaku

A

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

541
Q

gallant

A

The light elegant style of the 18th century.

542
Q

galliard

A

A spirited dance from the 15th century in triple meter

543
Q

galop

A

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

544
Q

gamelan

A

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

545
Q

gato

A

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

546
Q

gavotte (Fr.)

A

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

547
Q

G clef

A

The treble clef

548
Q

Gebrauchsmusik (Gr.)

A

Utility music. Music that is to be played by amateurs

549
Q

gedämpft (Gr.)

A

Muted

550
Q

Gehend (Gr.)

A

Andante

551
Q

Geige (Gr.)

A

Violin

552
Q

gemässigt (Gr.)

A

Moderate

553
Q

gemendo (It.)

A

Lamenting

554
Q

German Sixth

A

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

555
Q

Gesang (Gr.)

A

Song

556
Q

geschleift (Gr.)

A

Legato

557
Q

gestopft (Gr.)

A

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

558
Q

gig

A

slang for a musical job

559
Q

gigue (Fr.)

A
  1. A dance, usually in 6/8, commonly found in a suite 2. a jig
560
Q

giocoso (It.)

A

Humorous

561
Q

Giusto (It.)

A

Exact, strict

562
Q

glass armonica

A

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
Q

glee

A

Unaccompanied English secular choral music of the 18th century

564
Q

glissando (It.)

A
  1. To slide from one note to another 2. On a piano, a rapid scale produced by sliding fingers over the desired keys.
565
Q

Glocke (Gr.)

A

A bell

566
Q

Glockenspiel (Gr.)

A

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

567
Q

Gloria (Lat.)

A

The second part of the Ordinary of the Mass. It means Glory (to God in the highest)

568
Q

gong

A

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

569
Q

gopak

A

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

570
Q

grace note

A

a small note played quickly before the beat. not to be confused with an appoggiatura

571
Q

gran, grand’, grande (It.)

A

Large, great

572
Q

gran cassa (It.)

A

Bass drum

573
Q

grandioso (It.)

A

Grand, majestic

574
Q

grand opera

A

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

575
Q

grand pause

A

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

576
Q

grand piano

A

A piano with its frame, strings and soundboard arranged horizontallygr

577
Q

grand staff

A

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

578
Q

grave (It.)

A

Slow, heavy, solemn

579
Q

gravicembalo (It.)

A

Harpsichord

580
Q

grazia, grazioso (It.)

A

Grace

581
Q

Gregorian Chant

A

Roman Catholic liturgical chants developed by Pope Gregory I

582
Q

grosso, grosse (It.)

A

Great, large

583
Q

growl

A

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

584
Q

grunge

A

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

585
Q

gruppetto, groppo, gruppo (It.)

A

Ornaments or groups of grace notes

586
Q

guaracha

A

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

587
Q

guiro

A

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

588
Q

guitar

A

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
Q

gusto (It.)

A

Style, zest

590
Q

H.

A

Abbreviation for “Hoboken,” the cataloger of Haydn’s works. H numbers are used for Haydn’s compositions in place of opus numbers

591
Q

habanera (Sp.)

A

A syncopated Cuban dance in duple meter

592
Q

half note

A

A note one half the length of a whole note

593
Q

half rest

A

A rest half the length of a whole rest

594
Q

half step

A

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
Q

hammer

A

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

596
Q

Hammerclavier (Gr.)

A

Pianoforte

597
Q

hammer-on

A

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
Q

handbell

A

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
Q

hand organ

A
  1. English barrel organ 2. Italian street organ used by organ-grinders
600
Q

harmonica

A
  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
Q

harmonic analysis

A

The study of harmonics or chords within a piece of music

602
Q

harmonic minor

A

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

603
Q

harmonic rhythm

A

The pattern created by changes of harmony throughout a composition

604
Q

harmonics

A

notes of the harmonic series which are very clear and pure

605
Q

harmonic series

A

A series of notes (overtones) that vibrate above a fundamental note. Some notes are out of tune

606
Q

harmonium

A

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

607
Q

harmony

A

the result produced when tones are sounded simultaneously

608
Q

harp

A
  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
Q

harpsichord

A

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

610
Q

hastig (Gr.)

A

Hurrying

611
Q

Hauptstimme

A

The principal part

612
Q

haut, haute (Gr.)

A

High

613
Q

hautbois, hautboy (Fr.)

A

Oboe

614
Q

head

A
  1. The beginning of a piece or movement 2. The tip of a bow 3. A drumhead
615
Q

head voice

A

The higher register of a voice

616
Q

heavy metal

A

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

617
Q

heckelphone

A

A baritone oboe with a range one octave below the oboe

618
Q

Heldentenor (Gr.)

A

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

619
Q

Helicon

A

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

620
Q

Hemidemisemiquaver

A

Sixty-fourth note

621
Q

Hemiola

A

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
Q

Hertz

A

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

623
Q

Heterophony (Gr.)

A

The simultaneous performance of modified or ornamented versions of the same melody performed by two or more singers or instrumentalists.

624
Q

Hexachord

A

A group of six notes.

625
Q

High Fidelity

A

sounds produced electronically with a very high quality.

626
Q

Hi-hat-Cymbals

A

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

627
Q

Hocket

A

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
Q

Homophony

A

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

629
Q

Homorhythmic

A

When all the voices or parts move in the same rhythm.

630
Q

Honky-Tonk

A

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

631
Q

Hook

A

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

632
Q

Hornpipe

A

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

633
Q

Humbucking Pickup

A

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

634
Q
A