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Glossary of Musical Terms PDF
Glossary of Musical Terms PDF
In my music studies, I have often found it frustrating not knowing the meaning
of all the words on the page. Many composers make very specific indications,
and seldom are those indications in English. What follows is a fairly long list
of musical definitions and descriptions gleaned primarily from multiple
Internet searches (utilizing available translation services). I also used a few
book sources, mostly for purposes of corroboration.
A vast majority of this glossary relates most directly to trumpet and brass
literature. These are words and phrases which I have found in solo and
orchestral literature, as well as in etude books and other music texts. Though it
is geared towards trumpet players, I believe it might be useful to any musician.
Please note that, while this listing has in excess of 1,200 entries, it is by no
means an exhaustive list.
Any serious student of music should own a copy of the Harvard Dictionary of Music
(Belknap Press of the Harvard University Press). This book goes far beyond being just a
simple glossary of terms. It is really an encyclopedia, encompassing a wide range of musical
topics, and I find it interesting just to read a few articles once in a while. Beyond the
dictionary entries, there are articles on important composers and important individual pieces,
entries on widely varying musical styles, music theory and general music history. The
information is very well‐researched and each entry more‐than‐adequately covers the major
aspects of each topic. The book is available in many places and currently sells for
approximately $40.00.
Table of Contents
A – Angosciosamente 1
Ängstlich – BMI 2
Bol – Con sordina 3
Cor – En 4
En dehors – Fort 5
Forte – Grandezza 6
Grandioso ‐ Le Poème de lʹextase 7
Le Sacre du Printemps – Melancolico 8
Meno – Oktett 9
Omaggio – Pp 10
Précédente – Sanft 11
Sans – Slargando 12
Slentando – Taktmesser 13
Taktstrich – Unis. 14
Unison – Zunge 15
Appendices
Pitch Names Appendix A
Clef Appendix B
Glossary of Musical Terms page 1
A [It.]: Article meaning to, at, for, in, in the style of, Agité [Fr.]: Agitated.
per. Ähnlich [Ger.]: Similar, alike.
À [Fr.]: Article meaning to, at, for, in, in the style of, Airietta [It.]: A short aria.
per. Aisé [Fr.]: With ease.
A beneplacito [It.]: At the performerʹs pleasure. Al [It.]: To the, at the; or in the manner of.
A capella [It.]: Performed without instrumental Al [It.]: To the, at the.
accompaniment. Alla [It.]: To the, at the; in the manner of.
A due [It.]: (or a2) Intended as a duet; for two voices Alla breve [It.]: At the breve; cut time.
or instruments. Allant [Fr.]: Going, stirring, continuing; andante.
À la [Fr.]: To the, at the; or in the manner of. Allargando [It.]: Broadening, becoming slower;
A piacere [It.]: At the perfomerʹs pleasure. sometimes accompanied with increased volume.
A tempo [It.]: Return to original tempo after some Alle [Ger.]: All.
deviation from it. Alle menschen muessen sterben [Ger.]: All people
À volonté [Fr.]: At the performer’s pleasure. must die; Bach chorale reference in Hindemithʹs
a2 [It.]: (or a due) Intended as a duet; for two voices ʺSonataʺ for Trumpet and Piano.
or instruments. Allegramente [It.]: Merry, lively; fast.
Ab [Ger.]: Off, as with a mute. Allegretto [It.]: Slightly slower than allegro.
Abandonné [Fr.]: With abandon, without restraint. Allegrissimo [It.]: Very fast, but slightly slower than
Abbandonatamente [It.]: With abandon, without Presto.
restraint. Allegro [It.]: (allo) Merry, lively; fast.
Abbellimento [It.]: Ornament. Allein [Ger.]: Alone.
Aber [It.]: But. Allentamente [It.]: Slowing down.
Abnehmend [Ger.]: (dim.) Decreasing in volume. Allentando [It.]: Slowing down.
Absetzen [Ger.]: Seperated, articulated. Allmählich [Ger.]: Gradually, little by little.
Abtossen [Ger.]: Detached. Als [Ger.]: Than.
Accarezzévole [It.]: Expressive and caring; sweetly. Also sprach Zarathustra [Ger.]: ʺThus Spake
Accelerando [It.]: (accel.) Becoming faster; faster. Zarathustra;ʺ major orchestral work (tone poem)
Accelerato [It.]: (accel.) Becoming faster; faster. by Richard Strauss, inspired by the book of the
Accentato [It.]: Marked, stressed, emphasized. same name by Friedrich Nietzsche.
Accompagnato [It.]: Accompanied. Altissimo [It.]: Very high.
Accusé [Fr.]: Marked, stressed, emphasized. Alto [It.]: High; usually refers to a particular voice
Ad libitum [Lat.]: At the performer’s pleasure; part, higher than tenor, but lower than soprano.
sometimes means a passage may be omitted. Am [Ger.]: At the, at that.
Adagietto [It.]: Slightly faster tempo than adagio; Amabile [It.]: Amiable, likeable.
slow tempo, but less somber than adagio. Amarevole [It.]: Bitter or bitterly.
Adagio [It.]: Slow tempo. Amaro [It.]: Bitter or bitterly.
Adagissimo [It.]: Extremely slow tempo. Amore [It.]: Love, lovingly.
Addolorato [It.]: Pained, afflicted. Amorevole [It.]: Love, lovingly.
Affabile [It.]: Affable, pleasant. Amoroso [It.]: Love, lovingly.
Affannato [It.]: Anguished. Anacrusis [Lat.]: A note or group of notes which
Affannoso [It.]: Anguished. precede the first full measure; slso known as a
Affectueusement [Fr.]: Affectionate. ʺpickup note.ʺ
Affettuoso [It.]: (also Affetuosamente) Affectionate. Ancora [It.]: Still, more.
Affretanrdo [It.]: Hurrying. Andacht [Ger.]: Devotion, devoutly.
Agevole [It.]: Easy, unrestricted. Andächtig [Ger.]: Devotion, devoutly.
Aggradevole [It.]: Pleasing. Andante [It.]: Walking; moderately slow.
Agiatamente [It.]: Sedate, with ease. Andantino [It.]: Slightly faster than andante.
Agiato [It.]: Sedate, with ease. Anfang [Ger.]: Beginning.
Agile [It.]: Agile. Angenehm [Ger.]: Pleasant, pleasantly.
Agilmente [It.]: Agile. Anglaise [Fr.]: English.
Agitato [It.]: Agitated. Angosciosamente [It.]: Anguished.
Glossary of Musical Terms page 2
Ängstlich [It.]: Anxious, anxiously. Avec [Fr.]: With, together with.
Animando [It.]: Animating, becoming animated, Avoir [Fr.]: Own, have.
animated; indicates speeding up. Barbaro [It.]: Barbarous; barbaric.
Animandosi [It.]: Animating, becoming animated, Barcarola [It.]: Song, often in 6/8 or 12/8 time,
animated; indicates speeding up. originating in Venice, Italy.
Animato [It.]: Animating, becoming animated, Barcarole [En.]: Song, often in 6/8 or 12/8 time,
animated; indicates speeding up. originating in Venice, Italy.
Animato [It.]: Animated, lively. Barcarolle [Fr.]: Song, often in 6/8 or 12/8 time,
Animé [Fr.]: Animated; moderately fast tempo. originating in Venice, Italy.
Animez [Fr.]: Animate, bring to life. Bass [En.]: The lowest of the four standard voice
Animo [It.]: Spirit, spirited. ranges (soprano, alto, tenor, bass); the lowest
Animoso [It.]: Spirit, spirited. melodic line in a musical composition,
Anmutig [Ger.]: Graceful, gracefully. definining and supporting the harmony.
Anschwellend [Ger.]: Increasing in volume, louder. Basso [It.]: Low, bass; the lowest of the four
Anwachsend [Ger.]: Growing, swelling, increasing. standard voice ranges (soprano, alto, tenor,
Apaisé [Fr.]: Calm, calmed. bass); the lowest melodic line in a musical
Appasionato [It.]: Impassioned. composition, definining and supporting the
Appena [It.]: Scarcely. harmony.
Appoggiatora [It.]: A disonant pitch on a stronger Basso continuo [It.]: Continuous bass; bass part
beat resolving up or down to a consonant pitch played throughout a piece to defining and
on a weaker beat. supporting harmonic structure, used primarily
Appuyé [Fr.]: Accented, accentuated. in music of the Baroque period .
Ardimente [It.]: Boldly. Bedächtig [Ger.]: Deliberate, slow.
Ardito [It.]: Boldly. Behende [Ger.]: Agile, quick.
Aria [It.]: Air; an expressive song, usually performed Beklemmt [Ger.]: Anxious, oppressed.
by a singer. Belebend [Ger.]: Lively, animated.
Arioso [It.]: Airy, like an air; melodious; in the Belebt [Ger.]: Lively, animated.
manner of an aria. Bellicoso [It.]: Bellicose, pugnacious; warlike in
Armonioso [It.]: Harmoniously. manner.
Arpeggio [It.]: To play on the harp; a broken chord Ben [It.]: Well.
where the notes are played or sung in sequence Bene [It.]: Well.
(as a harp), one after the other, rather than Beruhigend [Ger.]: Calm, calming.
simultaneously as a chord. Beruhigt [Ger.]: Calm, calming.
Arriver [Fr.]: Arrive. Beschleunigend [Ger.]: Speeding up.
ASCAP : Abbreviated for American Society of Beschleunigt [Ger.]: Speeding up.
Composers, Authors and Publishers. Bestimmt [Ger.]: Decisive, decisively.
Assai [It.]: Much, very much. Betont [Ger.]: Accented, stressed.
Assez [It.]: Sufficiently, rather. Beweglich [Ger.]: Nimble, nimbly, agile.
Atem [Ger.]: Breath. Bewegt [Ger.]: Agitated.
Atempause [Ger.]: Breathing pause. Bien [Fr.]: Fine, good, well.
Attacca [It.]: Attack, attack immediately; move to the Binary [Lat.]: Consisting of two parts; in music, a
next movement immediately. form consisting of two parts: AB.
Attacca subito [It.]: Attack suddenly, attack Bis [Lat.]: Twice; repeat the relevant action of
immediately; move to the next movement passage.
immediately. Blasinstrument [Ger.]: Wind instrument.
Auf [Ger.]: Up. Blasmusik [Ger.]: Music for wind instruments.
Aufgeregt [Ger.]: Excited, energetic. Blech [Ger.]: Brass instruments.
Ausdruck [Ger.]: Expression. Blechinstrumente [Ger.]: Brass instruments.
Ausdrucksvoll [Ger.]: Expression; expressively. Blechmusik [Ger.]: Music for brass instruments.
Aushalten [Ger.]: To sustain, hold. BMI : Abbreviation for Broadcast Music
Äusserst [Ger.]: Extremely, much, very. Incorporated.
Glossary of Musical Terms page 3
Bol [Fr.]: Bowl; often refers to cup mute. Cesura [Sp.]: Pause.
Bolero [Sp.]: Dance in 3/4 time, originating in Spain. Césure [Fr.]: Pause.
Bon [Fr.]: Good, fair, fine. Chalaur [Fr.]: Warm, warmth, passionately.
Bravura [It.]: Skill, bravery; virtuostic display. Chanté [Fr.]: Singing.
Breit [Ger.]: Broad. Chasse [Fr.]: Chase, hunt.
Breve [Lat.]: Short. Chiaramente [It.]: Clear, clearly.
Brevis [Lat.]: Short. Chiaro [It.]: Clear, clearly.
Brillante [It.]: Brilliant. Chiave [It.]: Clef; see Appendix B.
Brilliante [It.]: Brilliant. Chiuso [It.]: Closed; muted by hand.
Brio [It.]: Vivacious, spirited. Cinq [Fr.]: Five.
Brioso [It.]: Vivacious, spirited. Clarino [It.]: High range of the Baroque (natural)
Buccina [Lat.]: A Roman trumpet or horn; straight trumpet (the low range is called the principalle);
trumpet. refers to the style fo trumpet playing utilizing
Bügelhorn [Ger.]: Bugle. the high register of the natural trumpet, where
Bugle [Fr.]: Flugelhorn. the harmonic series allows for diatonic
Buisine [Fr.]: A medieval military trumpet. movement.
Busine [Fr.]: A medieval military trumpet. Clave [Sp.]: Clef; see Appendix B.
Buysine [Fr.]: A medieval military trumpet. Clef [En.]: See Appendix B.
Buzanne [Fr.]: A medieval military trumpet. Clos [Fr.]: Shut, closed.
Buzine [Fr.]: A medieval military trumpet. Coda [It.]: Tail; concluding section.
BWV [Ger.]: (Bach‐Werke‐Verzeichnis) A thematic Codetta [It.]: A small coda.
catalog of the works of J. S. Bach. Col [It.]: With.
Cadence [Fr.]: Cadence, rhythm. Colla parte [It.]: A player should double anotherʹs
Cadenza [It.]: A solo section, usually in a concerto or part.
similar work, used to display the performerʹs Colossale [It.]: Collossal, tremendous.
technique. Comdamente [It.]: Comfortable, easy (usually refers
Caesura [It.]: Pause. to tempo)
Calando [It.]: Decreasing in loudness and usually in Come [It.]: How, as, like.
tempo. Come prima [It.]: As before, like the first time;
Calmando [It.]: Calm, calming; becoming quiet. usually refers to an earlier tempo or specifically
Calmato [It.]: Calm, calming; becoming quiet. the first tempo.
Calore [It.]: Warm, warmth, passionately. Come sopra [It.]: As above; usually refers to the
Caloroso [It.]: Warm, warmth, passionately. previous tempo
Cambiare [It.]: To change; i.e. to change to a new Comme [Fr.]: As, like.
instrument, etc. Common time [En.]: Refers to the time signature 4/4.
Camminando [It.]: Walking, moving evenly along. Commosso [It.]: Moved, touched.
Cantabile [It.]: (cant.) Singable, songlike. Comodo [It.]: Comfortable, easy (usually refers to
Cantando [It.]: Singing. tempo)
Capo [It.]: Head. Con [It.]: With.
Capriccio [It.]: Capricious, capriciously, at the Con affeto [It.]: With affection, or emotion.
playerʹs pleasure; also a musical form in a light Con amore [It.]: With love
style. Con anima [It.]: With soul, or feeling.
Capricciosamente [It.]: Capricious, capriciously, at Con brio [It.]: With spirit, vigor.
the playerʹs pleasure. Con dolore [It.]: With sadness.
Capriccioso [It.]: Capricious, capriciously, at the Con espressione [It.]: With expression.
playerʹs pleasure. Con forza [It.]: With strength, force.
Carazzendo [It.]: Soothingly, caressingly. Con fuoco [It.]: With fire.
Cedando [It.]: Slowing down. Con larghezza [It.]: With broadness.
Cédez [Fr.]: Yield, slow down. Con moto [It.]: With, movement, motion.
Celare [It.]: Fast, quickly. Con slancio [It.]: With momentum, impetus.
Celeramente [It.]: Fast, quickly. Con sordina [It.]: With mute.
Glossary of Musical Terms page 4
Cor [Fr.]: Horn. Dolente [It.]: Sad.
Cornet à pistons [Fr.]: Cornet. Doloroso [It.]: Painful, mournful.
Corneta [Sp.]: Cornet. Doppelt [Ger.]: Double.
Cornetta [It.]: Cornet. Doppelt so schnell [Ger.]: Twice as fast.
Corno [It.]: Horn. Doppio [It.]: Double.
Crescendo [It.]: (cresc.) Growing; increasing volume. Doppio movimento [It.]: Twice as fast.
Cuarteto [Sp.]: (Quartet) Ensemble of four players. Double tongue [En.]: Use of two consonants (tah‐
Cuivre [Fr.]: Brassy and harsh. kah) in fast articulation of couplets on brass
Cut time [En.]: Refers to the time signature 2/2. instruments and some woodwinds.
D.C. : Abbreviation for da capo. Doucement [Fr.]: Gently, softly.
D.S. : Abbreviation for dal segno. Douloureux [Fr.]: Painful, sorrowful.
Da [It.]: From, at. Doux [Fr.]: Sweet, soft.
Da Capo [It.]: (D.C.) From the beginning. Doux [Fr.]: Gentle, sweet, soft.
Dal [It.]: From the. Drammatico [It.]: Dramatically.
Dal Segno [It.]: (D.S.) From the sign. Drängend [Ger.]: Pressing, quickening.
Dämpfer [Ger.]: Mute. Duolo [It.]: Grief.
Dʹattaque [Fr.]: Attack. Dur [Ger.]: Major.
Dauer [Ger.]: Duration. Duramente [It.]: Harshly, severely.
Dauernd [Ger.]: Duration. Durchdringend [Ger.]: Piercing, shrill
De [Fr.]: From, of. Dureté [Fr.]: Hardness, harshness, toughness;
Debole [It.]: Weak, faint. severity.
Décidé [Fr.]: Decisive, decisively. Durezza [It.]: Hardness, toughness.
Decisamente [It.]: Decisive, decisively. Dynamics [It.]: Refers to the relative volume in
Deciso [It.]: Decisive, decisively. execution of a piece of music.
Declamato [It.]: Declamatory. E [It.]: And.
Decrescendo [It.]: (decresc.) Decreasing in volume. Éclatant [Fr.]: Brilliant, dazzling, as an explosion.
Dehors [Fr.]: In the open, prominent. Eco [It.]: Echo.
Del [It.]: Of the, about the. Ègalement [Fr.]: Too, same, as well.
Delicatamente [It.]: Delicate, delicately. Égalité [Fr.]: Equality.
Delicatezza [It.]: Delicate, delicately. Eile [Ger.]: Hurry.
Delicato [It.]: Delicate, delicately. Eilend [Ger.]: Hurrying.
Délié [Fr.]: Sharp, detached. Ein Heldenleben [Ger.]: ʺA Heroic Life;ʺ major
Derb [Ger.]: Rough, robust. orchestral work (tone poem) by Richard Strauss.
Des [Fr.]: The, some. Ein wenig [Ger.]: A little.
Détaché [Fr.]: Detached; unconcerned, nonchalant. Eine Alpensinfonie [Ger.]: ʺAn Alpine Sympony;ʺ
Deutlich [Ger.]: Clear, distinct. major orchestral work (tone poem) by Richard
Deux [Fr.]: Two. Strauss.
Devoto [It.]: Devout, devoutly, faithful. Einfacht [Ger.]: Simple.
Di [It.]: About, of, by. Einhlang [Ger.]: Unison.
Di molto [It.]: Very. Élargissant [Fr.]: Broadening, becoming slower;
Di nuovo [It.]: New, again. sometimes accompanied with increased volume.
Diluendo [It.]: Dilute, thinning; dying away. Élégant [Fr.]: Elegant, graceful.
Diminuendo [It.]: (dim.) Decreasing in volume. Élégant [It.]: Elegant.
Disinvolto [It.]: Confident, free and easy. Elegante [It.]: Elegant.
Dissonante [It.]: Dissonant. Empfindsamkeit [Ger.]: Sensitiveness,
Div. [It.]: Abbreviation for divisi; part, divide. sentimentality.
Divisi [It.]: Part, divide. Empfindung [Ger.]: Sensitivity, feeling.
Doigté [Fr.]: Fingering. Empressé [Fr.]: Avid, eager.
Dolce [It.]: Sweet. Ému [Fr.]: Touched, moved, with emotion.
Dolcezza [It.]: Sweetness, gentleness. En [Fr.]: In, into, at; for phrases beginning with this
Dolcissimo [It.]: Much sweetness, gentleness. preposition, see the word following.
Glossary of Musical Terms page 5
En dehors [Fr.]: Prominent; prominently. Fanfare tongue [En.]: (Utility tongue) Triple tongue
En pressant [Fr.]: Pressing forward. using tah‐kah‐tah pattern; said to provide more
En retenant [Fr.]: Holding back. even and precise rhythm.
Enchaînez [Fr.]: Chain, restrain, secure; continue Fantasque [Fr.]: Whimsical, capricious.
without pause. Fastoso [It.]: Sumptuous, pompous.
Encore [Fr.]: Again; in performance, an additional Feierlich [Ger.]: Solemn.
piece or fragment of material performed usually Fermata [It.]: Stop; in practice, the duration of a so‐
at the request of the audience. marked note is at the discretion of the performer
Energico [It.]: Energetic, stirring, vigorous. or the conductor; a fermata at the end of a first
Energique [Fr.]: Energetic, stirring, vigorous. or intermediate movement or section is usually
Enfatico [It.]: Emphatic; emphatically. moderately prolonged, but the final fermata of a
Enlevez [Fr.]: Take off. symphony may be pro
Entendre [Fr.]: To hear. Ferne [Ger.]: Distance.
Entendu [Fr.]: Heard. Fernwerk [Ger.]: As an echo.
Entfernt [Ger.]: In the distance, distant. Feroce [It.]: Ferociously.
Entrain [Fr.]: Pep, energy. Feste Romane [It.]: ʺRoman Festivals;ʺ major
Entscheiden [Ger.]: Decided, resolute. orchestral work by Ottorino Respighi (the third
Entschlössen [Ger.]: Decided, resolute, determined. of his so‐called ʺRoman Trilogyʺ).
Epilogue [Fr.]: Concluding section. Festivamente [It.]: Festive, cheerful.
Ergriffen [Ger.]: Moved, stirred. Festoso [It.]: Festive.
Erhaben [Ger.]: Sublime, noble. Festspiel [Ger.]: Festive.
Erhabenheit [Ger.]: Sublimity, nobility. Feuer [Ger.]: Fire, passion.
Erlöschend [Ger.]: Extinguishing, dying away. Feuerig [Ger.]: Fiery, passionate.
Ermattend [Ger.]: Tiring, weakening. FF [It.]: Abbreviation for fortissimo; very loud.
Ernst [Ger.]: Earnest, serious. Fieramente [It.]: Proud, haughty, fierce.
Ernsthaft [Ger.]: Earnest, serious. Fiero [It.]: Proud, haughty, fierce.
Eroica [It.]: Heroic, heroically. Fin [Fr.]: The end.
Ersatz [Ger.]: Replacement, substitute. Fine [It.]: End.
Ersterbend [Ger.]: Dying away. Fiscorno [Sp.]: Flugelhorn.
Erweitern [Ger.]: Expand, extend. Flat [En.]: A symbol that lowers the pitch by a half‐
Esercizio [It.]: Exercise, study. step; also refers to describe the intonation of a
Espirando [It.]: Breathing out; expiring, dying away. performer or group of performers when the
Espressif [It.]: (espressivo) With expression. sound is too low by some degree.
Espressione [It.]: Expression. Flatt. [Ger.]: Flutter‐tongue; the tongue is trilled
Espressivo [It.]: (Espress., Espr.) With expression. against the roof of the mouth behind the front
Estilo [Sp.]: Style. teeth.
Estinguendo [It.]: Extinguishing, dying away. Flatterzunge [Ger.]: Flutter‐tongue; the tongue is
Estinto [It.]: Extinct, extinguished; barely audible. trilled against the roof of the mouth behind the
Estompé [Fr.]: Toned down. front teeth.
Et [Fr.]: And. Flebile [It.]: Plaintive, mournful.
Éteindre [Fr.]: To extinguish. Flicorno [It.]: Flugelhorn.
Étouffé [Fr.]: Hushed, muted, dampened. Flüssig [Ger.]: Fluid, flowing.
Étouffoir [Fr.]: Hushed, muted, dampened. Flüsternd [Ger.]: Whispering.
Etude [Fr.]: Exercise, study. Flutter‐tongue [En.]: the tongue is trilled against the
Etwas [Ger.]: Somewhat. roof of the mouth behind the front teeth.
Eutschlossen [Ger.]: Resolute, determined. Focoso [It.]: Fiery.
Extrêmement [Fr.]: Extremely. Fois [Fr.]: Time.
F [It.]: Abbreviation for forte; loud. Fontane di Roma [It.]: ʺRoman Festivals;ʺ major
Facile [It.]: Easy, simple. orchestral work by Ottorino Respighi (the third
Facilmente [It.]: Easily, simply. of his so‐called ʺRoman Trilogyʺ).
Facultatif [Fr.]: Optional. Fort [Fr.]: Forte, strong.
Glossary of Musical Terms page 6
Forte [It.]: (f) Loud. Gehaucht [Ger.]: Whispered.
Forte‐piano [It.]: (fp) Loud followed immediately by Geheimnisvoll [Ger.]: Mysterious.
soft. Gehend [Ger.]: Medium tempo.
Fortissimo [It.]: (ff) Very loud. Geistlich [Ger.]: Sacred.
Forza [It.]: Strength, force. Gekoppelt [Ger.]: Coupled.
Forzando [It.]: (fz) Forcing, forced; strongly Gelassen [Ger.]: Calm, tranquil.
accented. Gemächlich [Ger.]: Leisurely, comfortably; slow.
Forzato [It.]: (fz) Forcing, forced; strongly accented. Gemässigt [Ger.]: Moderate.
Fp [It.]: Forte‐piano; loud followed immediately by Gemendo [It.]: Moaning, lamenting.
soft. Gemessen [Ger.]: Measured.
Freddo [It.]: Coldly, unemotional. Genau [Ger.]: Exact, precise.
Frei [Ger.]: Free, freely. Generalpause [Ger.]: (G.P.) General pause, a rest for
Frescamente [It.]: Fresh, freshly. all musicians, usually unexpected.
Fresco [It.]: Fresh, freshly. Gentile [It.]: Gentle, gently.
Frettevole [It.]: Hasty, hurried. Gesang [Ger.]: Song; singingly.
Frettoloso [It.]: Hasty, hurried. Geschwind [Ger.]: Fast, quickly.
Frettoso [It.]: Hasty, hurried. Gesteigert [Ger.]: Increased, as in loudness.
Fröhliche [Ger.]: Joyous. Gestopft [Ger.]: Plugged, stopped.
Frulatto [It.]: Flutter‐tongue; the tongue is trilled Geteilt [Ger.]: Divided.
against the roof of the mouth behind the front Getragen [Ger.]: Sustained, slow, solemn.
teeth. Getragen [Ger.]: Sustained, slow, solemn.
Fuga [Lat.]: See Fugue. Gewandt [Ger.]: Agile, quick.
Fugue [Fr.]: Flight; a complex and highly Gewandt [Ger.]: Agile.
regimented contrapuntal form in music where a Gewöhnlich [Ger.]: Usual; return to previous
short theme (the subject) is introduced in one playing style.
voice (or part) alone, then in others, with Giga [It.]: Dance, often in 12/8 time, originating in
imitation and characteristic development as the Ireland and England.
piece progresses. Giga [Sp.]: Dance, often in 12/8 time, originating in
Funebre [It.]: Funeral; stately and plodding tempo Ireland and England.
Fuoco [It.]: Fire. Gigue [Fr.]: (Jig) Dance, often in 12/8 time,
Fuoco [It.]: Fire. originating in Ireland and England.
Fuocoso [It.]: Fiery. Giocoso [It.]: Joyous, merry.
Furia [It.]: Fury. Giustamente [It.]: Just, precise.
Furioso [It.]: Furious. Giusto [It.]: Just, precise.
Fz [It.]: Abbreviation for forzando or forzato; Glänz [Ger.]: Shine, brightness, brilliant.
forcing, forced, strongly accented. Glänzend [Ger.]: Shine, brightness, brilliant.
G.P. : Abbreviation for Generalpause Gleichmässig [Ger.]: Uniform, even, equal.
Gai [Fr.]: Gay, lively; fast. Gliss. : Abbreviation for glissando or glisser; a
Gaiement [Fr.]: Gay, lively; fast. continuous sliding movement from one pitch to
Galop [Fr.]: Originally galoppade; dance in 2/4, another.
originating in Paris; imitating the gait of a horse. Glissando [It.]: (gliss.) Slide; a continuous sliding
Garbato [It.]: Polite, graceful, elegant. movement from one pitch to another.
Garbo [It.]: Polite, graceful, elegant. Glisser [Fr.]: (gliss.) Slide; a continuous sliding
Gaudioso [It.]: Joyfully. movement from one pitch to another.
Gebunden [Ger.]: Legato, smooth. Goioso [It.]: Joyous, merry.
Gedämpft [Ger.]: Softened, dampened, muted. Gracieux [Fr.]: Graceful.
Gedehnt [Ger.]: Stretched, prolonged; slow. Gracile [It.]: Wispy, delicate, delicately.
Gefällig [Ger.]: Pleasing, pleasant. Gradatamente [It.]: Gradually, little by little.
Gefühlvoll [Ger.]: Sensitive, sentimental. Gradito [It.]: Pleasing, pleasant.
Gegen [Ger.]: Against, contrary to. Gran [It.]: Grand, great.
Gehalten [Ger.]: Sustained. Grandezza [It.]: Greatness, magnitude.
Glossary of Musical Terms page 7
Grandioso [It.]: Grandiose, magnificent. Jusquʹà [Fr.]: All the way to, until, up to.
Grave [It.]: Grave or solemn; slow. K. [Ger.]: Abbreviation for Köchel‐Verzeichnis;
Grazioso [It.]: Gracious, graceful. catalog of W. A. Mozartʹs works, as prepared by
Grottesco [It.]: Grotesque; grotesquely. Ludwig von Köchel.
Gusto [It.]: Taste; tasteful, agreeable. K.V. [Ger.]: Abbreviation for Köchel‐Verzeichnis;
Gustoso [It.]: Taste; tasteful, agreeable. catalog of W. A. Mozartʹs works, as prepared by
Hardi [Fr.]: Bold, audacious. Ludwig von Köchel.
Hastig [Ger.]: Hasty, hurried. Kammer [Ger.]: Chamber (Kammermusik: chamber
Heftig [Ger.]: Violent, impetuous. music)
Heiter [Ger.]: Merry, cheerful. Kirche [Ger.]: Church (Kirchenmusik: church
Hemiola [En.]: The imposition of a rhythmical music).
pattern or articulation which implies a time Klagelied [Ger.]: Complaint song; lament, elegy.
signature other than that which is written. Klagend [Ger.]: Complaining.
Hervorgehoben [Ger.]: Emphasized, prominent. Kläglich [Ger.]: Pitiful.
Hervortretrend [Ger.]: Forward, emphasized, Klang [Ger.]: Sound, sonority.
prominent. Klanglich [Ger.]: Sonorous.
Herzlich [Ger.]: Sincere, heartfelt, affected. Klar [Ger.]: Clear, distinct.
Hinsterbend [Ger.]: Dying away. Klein [Ger.]: Small, little.
Höchst [Ger.]: Highly. Klingen [Ger.]: Sound.
Homophony [Lat.]: Literally, same sound; musical Köchel‐Verzeichnis [Ger.]: Catalog of W. A.
texture with a clear melodic line accompanied Mozartʹs works, as prepared by Ludwig von
by chords (compare with Polyphony). Köchel.
Hornpipe [En.]: Dance, often in 3/2 time, originating Konzert [Ger.]: Concert; concerto.
in England and Scotland. Kornett [Ger.]: Cornet.
Hurtig [Ger.]: Nible, nimbly, agile. Kornett [Ger.]: Cornet.
Ier mouvt [Fr.]: Return to original tempo after some Kraft [Ger.]: Power.
deviation from it. Kräftig [Ger.]: Strong.
Immer [Ger.]: Always. La [Fr.]: The.
Imperioso [It.]: Imperious. Lacrimoso [It.]: Tearfully, maudlin.
Impetuoso [It.]: Impetuous, impulsive. Laisser [Fr.]: Let, allow.
Improvvisato [It.]: Improvised, or as if improvised. Lamentabile [It.]: Lamenting, whiny, wailing.
Imrpovvisando [It.]: With improvisation. Lamentando [It.]: Lamenting, whiny, wailing.
In altissimo [It.]: In the highest; in practice, play or Lamentoso [It.]: Lamenting, whiny, wailing.
sing an octave higher. Lancio [It.]: Launch, spring.
In mod di [It.]: In the fashion of, in the style of. Langsam [Ger.]: Slow.
Incalzando [It.]: Persisting, pressing on. Langsamer [Ger.]: Slow.
Incisif [Fr.]: Incisive, sharp, biting. Larga [Lat.]: In.
Innig [Ger.]: Ardent, heartfelt, fervent. Largamente [It.]: Wide, broad; slow.
Insieme [It.]: Together. Largando [It.]: Broadening, becoming slower;
Insistendo [It.]: Insistently, deliberately. sometimes accompanied with increased volume.
Intimo [It.]: Intimately. Large [Fr.]: Wide, broad; slow.
Intonation [En.]: In music, the degree of precision of Larghetto [It.]: Less slow than Largo.
pitch. Larghissimo [It.]: Very slow; slower than Largo.
Irato [It.]: Irate, angrily. Largo [It.]: Wide, broad; slow.
ISMN : Abbreviation for International Standard Lassen [Ger.]: Let.
Music Number. Laut [Ger.]: Loud; loudly.
Jagdhorn [Ger.]: Hunting horn. Lʹautre [Fr.]: The other.
Jig [En.]: Dance, often in 12/8 time, originating in Le [Fr.]: The, the.
Ireland and England. Le Poème de lʹextase [Fr.]: ʺThe Poem of Extasyʺ
Joli [Fr.]: Pretty, lovely, handsome. (Symphony No. 4); major orchestral work by
Jouer [Fr.]: Play around. Alexander Scriabin.
Glossary of Musical Terms page 8
Le Sacre du Printemps [Fr.]: ʺThe Rite of Spring;ʺ Loco [It.]: In place; in practive, a return to original
major orchestral work by Igor Stravinsky. octave after previously being instructed to play
Lebendig [Ger.]: Living, lively. an octave higher or lower.
Lebhaft [Ger.]: Lively, brisk. Lointain [Fr.]: Remote, far off, distant.
Legato [It.]: Fastened, bound, tied; played smoothly LʹOiseau de feu [Fr.]: ʺThe Firebird;ʺ major ballet by
without separation. Igor Stravinsky.
Légér [Fr.]: Light, lightly. Long [Fr.]: Long.
Légér [Fr.]: Light, lightly. Lontano [It.]: Distant.
Légérement [Fr.]: Light, lightly. Lourd [Fr.]: Heavy.
Leggermente [It.]: Light, lightly. Luftpause [Ger.]: Breathing; a pause, lift.
Leggero [It.]: Light, lightly. Lugubre [Fr., It.]: Lugubrious; gloomy, mournful.
Leggiadramente [It.]: Graceful. Luminoso [It.]: Luminous, luminously.
Leggiadro [It.]: Graceful. Lunga [It.]: Long.
Leggiero [It.]: Light, lightly. Lungo [It.]: Long.
Leicht [Ger.]: Easy, easily. Lusingando [It.]: Flatter, compliment.
Leidenschaftlich [Ger.]: Passionate. Lustig [Ger.]: Merry, joyous.
Leise [Ger.]: Soft. Luttuosamente [It.]: Mournful.
Leitmotif [Ger.]: Leading motive; a recurring Luttuoso [It.]: Mournful.
musical fragment, often associated with M.M. : Abbreviation for Maelzelʹs Metronome;
Wagnerʹs operatic works. indicates beats per minute.
Leitmotiv [Ger.]: Leading motive; a recurring Ma [It.]: But.
musical fragment, often associated with Ma non troppo [It.]: But not too much.
Wagnerʹs operatic works. Maestoso [It.]: Majestic.
Lent [Fr.]: Slow. Maggiore [It.]: Major mode.
Lentamente [Fr.]: Slow. Magico [It.]: Magically.
Lentamente [It.]: Slow. Magnifico [It.]: Magnificent.
Lentement [Fr.]: Slow. Mais [Fr.]: But.
Lenteur [Fr.]: Tardiness, slowness. Majeur [Fr.]: Major mode.
Lentissimo [It.]: Extremely slow. Malinconico [It.]: Sad, melancholic.
Lento [It.]: Slow. Mancando [It.]: Dying or fading away.
Les [Fr.]: The, them. Marcatissimo [It.]: Heavily marked, stressed,
Lʹhistoire du soldat [Fr.]: ʺSoldierʹs Tale;ʺ major emphasized.
chamber work by Igor Stravinsky. Marcato [It.]: (Marc.) Marked, stressed, emphasized.
Libero [Fr.]: Freely. Marcha [Sp.]: March.
Libitum [Lat.]: Whim. Marche [Fr.]: March.
Libre [Fr.]: Freely. Marcia [It.]: March.
Librement [Fr.]: Freely. Markiert [Ger.]: Marked, stressed, emphasized.
Lié [Fr.]: Fastened, bound, tied; played smoothly Markig [Ger.]: Vigorous.
without separation. Marqué [Fr.]: Marked, stressed, emphasized.
Lietamente [It.]: Happy, joyful, pleased. Marsch [Ger.]: March.
Lieto [It.]: Happy, joyful, pleased. Martèlement [Fr.]: Hammering.
Lieve [It.]: Light, gentle, delicate. Martellato [It.]: Hammered.
Lievemente [It.]: Light, gentle, delicate. Marziale [It.]: March.
Liscio [It.]: Smooth, plain. Mässig [Ger.]: Moderate or moderately (also,
Lʹistesso [It.]: The same; applied to tempo, mäßig).
articulation, etc. Mazurka [Pol.]: Dance, often in 3/4 or 3/2 time,
Lʹistesso tempo [It.]: The same tempo. characterized by strong accents on weak beats,
Lo stesso [It.]: The same; applied to tempo, originating in Poland.
articulation, etc. Medesimo [It.]: Same.
Mehr [Ger.]: More.
Melancolico [It.]: Melancholic, sad.
Glossary of Musical Terms page 9
Meno [It.]: Less. Musica [Lat.]: Music.
Messe [Fr.]: Mass. Musik [Ger.]: Music.
Messe [Ger.]: Mass. Muta [It.]: Change (as in change of tuning or change
Mesto [It.]: Mournful. of instrument).
Mesure [Fr.]: Measure, cadence, rhythm. Mutano [It.]: Change (as in change of tuning or
Mesuré [Fr.]: Measured. change of instrument).
Mettere [Fr.]: Put or place. Mutare [It.]: Change (as in change of tuning or
Mettez [Fr.]: Put or place. change of instrument).
Mettre [Fr.]: Put or place. Nachdrücklich [Ger.]: Emphatic, energetic.
Mezza [It.]: Half, medium, middle. Nachlassend [Ger.]: Diminishing; also refers to
Mezzo [It.]: Half, medium, middle. slackening of tempo.
Mezzo‐forte [It.]: (mf) Medium loud. Narrante [It.]: Narratingly.
Mezzo‐piano [It.]: (mp) Medium soft. Natural [En.]: A symbol which cancels the effect of a
Mezzo‐soprano [It.]: Medium soprano; Voice part sharp or a flat.
below Soprano and above Alto. Naturale [Fr.]: Discontinue a special effect.
Mf [It.]: Abbreviation for mezzo‐forte; medium Naturtrompete [Ger.]: Natural trumpet.
loud. Nehmen [Ger.]: Take (as in take up or prepare a
Militaire [Fr.]: Military, militarisitic. different instrument or mute).
Militare [It.]: Military, militarisitic. Nicht [Ger.]: Not.
Minacciosamente [It.]: Threatening, ominous. Niente [Ger.]: Nothing; diminuendo to nothing.
Minaccioso [It.]: Threatening, ominous. Nimmt [Ger.]: Take (as in take up or prepare a
Mineur [Fr.]: Minor mode. different instrument or mute).
Minore [It.]: Minor mode. Nobile [It.]: Noble, nobly.
Mise [Fr.]: Laid, set, placed. Nobilmente [It.]: Noble, nobly.
Missa [Lat.]: Mass. Nocturne [Fr.]: Night; a musical piece written for the
Misterioso [It.]: Mysterious. night.
Misura [It.]: Meter, measure, beat. Non [It.]: Not.
Mit [Ger.]: With. Nonet [En.]: Ensemble of nine players.
Mitte [Ger.]: Middle. Noneto [Sp.]: (Nonet) Ensemble of nine players.
Mobile [It.]: Flexible, changeable. Nonett [Ger.]: (Nonet) Ensemble of nine players.
Moderato [It.]: Moderate tempo. Nonette [Fr.]: (Nonet) Ensemble of nine players.
Modéré [It.]: Moderate tempo. Nonetto [It.]: (Nonet) Ensemble of nine players.
Modesto [It.]: Modest, modestly, unassuming. Notturno [It.]: Nocturnal, of the night.
Modo [It.]: Manner. Nourri [Fr.]: Fed, nourished.
Möglich [Ger.]: Possible. Obbligato [It.]: Obligatory; refers to an important
Moins [Fr.]: Less. accompanying part which is not to be omitted.
Moll [Ger.]: Minor. Obligat [Ger.]: Obligatory; refers to an important
Molto [It.]: Very, much. accompanying part which is not to be omitted.
Morceau [Fr.]: Piece, composition. Obra [Sp.]: Work.
Morendo [It.]: Dying or fading away in dynamics Octet [En.]: Ensemble of eight players.
and possible in tempo. Octeto [Sp.]: (Octet) Ensemble of eight players.
Mormorando [It.]: Murmering or whispering. Octette [Fr.]: (Octet) Ensemble of eight players.
Mosso [It.]: Moved, agitated. Octuor [Fr.]: (Octet) Ensemble of eight players.
Moto [It.]: Movement, motion. Oeuvre [Fr.]: Work; used to chronologically catalog
Mouvement [Fr.]: Movement, tempo, motion. a composer’s works.
Movimento [It.]: Movement, tempo, motion. Oficleide [It.]: An alto or bass brass instrument; the
Mp [It.]: Abbreviation for mezzo‐piano; medium bass ophicleide roughly equates to a tuba, and
soft. its parts are, in today’s world, played on the
Munter [Ger.]: Lively, brisk. tuba.
Musette [Fr.]: Dance, characterized by a droning Ohne [Ger.]: Without.
bass, originating in France. Oktett [Ger.]: (Octet) Ensemble of eight players.
Glossary of Musical Terms page 10
Omaggio [It.]: Homage, celebration. Petit [Fr.]: Little.
Op. [Lat.]: Abbreviation for opus; work; used to Peu [Fr.]: Little in amount.
chronologically catalog a composer’s works. Peu à peu [Fr.]: A little.
Ophicleide [Fr.]: An alto or bass brass instrument; Pezzo [It.]: Piece, composition.
the bass ophicleide roughly equates to a tuba, Piacere, a [It.]: At the perfomerʹs pleasure.
and its parts are, in today’s world, played on the Piacevole [It.]: Pleasing, pleasant, charming.
tuba. Piangendo [It.]: Crying, weeping, plaintive.
Ophikleide [Ger.]: An alto or bass brass instrument; Piangevole [It.]: Crying, weeping, plaintive.
the bass ophicleide roughly equates to a tuba, Pianissimo [It.]: (pp) Very soft.
and its parts are, in today’s world, played on the Piano [It.]: (p) Soft.
tuba. Pieno [It.]: Full.
Oppure [It.]: Or; used to indicate an alternative Pieza [Sp.]: Piece, composition.
(usually easier) version of a passage. Pina di Roma [It.]: ʺThe Pines of Rome;ʺ major
Opus [Lat.]: (op.) Work; used to chronologically orchestral work by Ottorino Respighi (the
catalog a composer’s works. second of his so‐called ʺRoman Trilogyʺ).
Ordinaire [Fr.]: Ordinary, normal. Pitch names [En.]: See Appendix A.
Ordinario [It.]: Ordinary, normal. Più [It.]: More.
Ossia [It.]: Or; used to indicate an alternative Piutosto [It.]: Rather.
(usually easier) version of a passage. Placido [It.]: Placid, tranquil, sedate.
Ostinato [It.]: Obstinate; a musical pattern played Plainte [Fr.]: Lamenting, whiny, wailing.
repeatedly. Planctus [Lat.]: Lamenting, whiny, wailing.
Ôter [Fr.]: To remove (a mute). Plötzlich [Ger.]: Suddenly.
Otetto [It.]: (Octet) Ensemble of eight players. Plus [Fr.]: More.
Ôtez [Fr.]: To remove (a mute). Pochettino [It.]: (Poch.) Very little in amount.
Ottava [It.]: Octave. Pochissimo [It.]: (pochiss.) Exremely little.
Ottoni [It.]: Brass (stromenti dʹottoni: brass Poco [It.]: Little in amount.
instruments). Poco a poco [It.]: Little by Little.
Ou [Fr.]: Or. Poi [It.]: Then, next.
Ouvert [Fr.]: Open. Point dʹorgue [Fr.]: Fermata; cadenza indicated by a
P [It.]: Abbreviation for piano; soft. fermata.
Pacato [It.]: Placid, sedate. Polacca [It.]: Polonaise; in a Polish style; a festive
Padiglione [It.]: Bell of a wind instrument (as in processional.
padiglione in alto: bell held high). Polonaise [Fr.]: In a Polish style; a festive
Parlando [It.]: As if spoken, enunciated. processional.
Parlante [It.]: As if spoken, enunciated. Polyphony [Lat.]: Literally, many sounds; musical
Partitur [Ger.]: Full orchestral score. texture with multiple melodic lines performing
Passionato [It.]: Passionate, passionately. simultaneously.
Pastorale [It.]: In a pastoral style; peaceful, simple. Pomposo [It.]: Pompous.
Patetico [It.]: Pitiable, pathetic. Portamento [It.]: A continuous movement from one
Pathetique [Fr.]: Pitiable, pathetic. pitch to another throughout all the intervening
Pathetisch [Ger.]: Pitiable, pathetic. pitches, without sounding any discreet pitches.
Pauroso [It.]: Cowardly, timid, fearful. Portato [It.]: Carried; articulation longer than
Pausa [It.]: Pause, rest. staccato but shorter than legato.
Pavillon [Fr.]: Bell of a wind instrument (as in Pos. [Ger.]: Abbreviation for posuane; trombone.
pavillon en lʹair: bell in the air). Posato [It.]: Reposed; rested, settled.
Penseroso [It.]: Pensively; thoughtfully, Possible [Fr.]: Possible, feasible, likely, conceivable.
meditatively. Posthorn [Ger.]: Small‐bore bugle used for
Perdendosi [It.]: Dying or fading away, in terms of signaling.
dynamics and sometimes tempo. Posuane [Ger.]: (pos.) Trombone.
Perpetuo [It.]: Perpetual, unending. Pour [Fr.]: For.
Pesante [It.]: Weighty, emphasized. Pp [It.]: Abbreviation for pianissimo; very soft.
Glossary of Musical Terms page 11
Précédente [Fr.]: Precedinig, previous to. Reprenez [Fr.]: Take back, recapture.
Precipitato [It.]: Plunge, hurry, rush. Restez [Fr.]: Stay; in practice, to remain on a note.
Prenda [It.]: Take, get. Restringendo [It.]: Pressing forward.
Prendere [It.]: Take (as in take up or prepare a Retard [En.]: Slowing down gradually.
different instrument or mute). Retenant [Fr.]: Held back.
Prendre [Fr.]: Take (as in take up or prepare a Retenu [Fr.]: Held back.
different instrument or mute). Rf., rfz. [It.]: Abbreviation for rinforzando;
Pressant [Fr.]: Pressing, quickening. becoming louder quickly (moreso than in the
Pressant [Fr.]: Pressing, quickening; urgent. case of a crescendo).
Pressante [It.]: Pressing, quickening. Rhythmé [Fr.]: Cadence, rhythm.
Prestissimo [It.]: As fast as possible. Ridicolosamente [It.]: Ridiculously; humorously,
Presto [It.]: Very fast. innacurate and loose.
Prima volta [It.]: First time; first ending. Rigore [It.]: Rigorous, strict, precise.
Primo [It.]: First. Rigoroso [It.]: Rigorous, strict, precise.
Principale [It.]: Low range of the Baroque (natural) Rilasciando [It.]: Free, release; slowing down.
trumpet (the high range is called the clarino). Rinf. [It.]: Abbreviation for rinforzando; becoming
Progessivement [Fr.]: Progessively, gradually, step louder quickly (moreso than in the case of a
by step. crescendo).
Prontamente [It: Quick. Rinforzando [It.]: (rf., rfz., rinf.) Becoming louder
Pronto [It.]: Quick. quickly (moreso than in the case of a crescendo).
Quartet [En.]: Ensemble of four players. Ripiano [Fr.]: (Ripeno, Repieno Rip. or Rep.) Also,
Quartett [Ger.]: (Quartet) Ensemble of four players. repiano or ripieno; tutti part; specific cornet part
Quartetto [It.]: (Quartet) Ensemble of four players. in a brass band.
Quasi [It.]: Almost, more or less. Riprendere [It.]: To resume, continue (as in original
Quatuor [Fr.]: (Quartet) Ensemble of four players. tempo).
Quintet [En.]: Ensemble of five players. Risoluto [It.]: Resolute, resolved, unwavering.
Quinteto [Sp.]: (Quintet) Ensemble of five players. Ritard., rit. [It.]: Abbreviation for Ritardando.
Quintette [Fr.]: (Quintet) Ensemble of five players. Ritardando [It.]: (ritard., rit.) Slowing down
Quintette [Ger.]: (Quintet) Ensemble of five players. gradually.
Quintetto [It.]: (Quintet) Ensemble of five players. Riten., rit. [It.]: Abbreviation for Ritenuto.
Quintuor [Fr.]: (Quintet) Ensemble of five players. Ritenuto [It.]: Held back; generally more sudden
R. : Abbreviation for ripieno, récitative or than in the case of a ritardando or rallentando.
ritardando. Ritmato [It.]: Rhythmic.
Rabbia [It.]: Anger, rage, fury. Ritmico [It.]: Rhythmic.
Raddolcendo [It.]: Becoming softer, sweeter. Ritmo [It.]: Rhythm.
Raffrenando [It.]: Slowing down. Romanza [It.]: Ballad, generally less elaborate than
Ralentir [Fr.]: Slow down. an aria.
Rallentando [It.]: (rall.) Slowing down. Romanze [Ger.]: Ballad, generally less elaborate
Rapido [It.]: Rapidly, fast. than an aria.
Rasch [Ger.]: Quick. Rondeau [Fr.]: Musical form with multiple sections,
Rattenando [It.]: Held back. usually returning to a recurring refrain;
Rattenuto [It.]: Held back. typically, the form is ABACA or ABACABA.
Ravvivando [It.]: Quickening, brightening. Rondo [It.]: Musical form with multiple sections,
Recueilli [Fr.]: Contemplative. usually returning to a recurring refrain;
Réel [Fr.]: Real, actual. typically, the form is ABACA or ABACABA.
Religioso [It.]: Religiously. Rubato [It.]: Steal; as in steal time; speeding up and
Remettez [Fr.]: Remove . slowing down for expressive purposes.
Remettre [Fr.]: Remove. Ruhig [Ger.]: Quiet, calm, tranquil.
Renforcer [Fr.]: Reinforce, strengthen. Ruvido [It.]: Rough, course.
Repente [It.]: Suddenly. Sackbut [Ger.]: Early trombone.
Reposato [It.]: Rest, with repose. Sanft [Ger.]: Soft.
Glossary of Musical Terms page 12
Sans [Fr.]: Without. Sensible [Fr.]: Sensitive; sensitively.
Scatenato [It.]: Unchained, crazy, wildly. Sentimento [It.]: Feeling.
Schall [Ger.]: Sound. Sentito [It.]: Felt.
Schalltrichter [Ger.]: Bell of a wind instrument (as in Senza [It.]: Without.
schalltrichter auf: bell up). Séparez [Fr.]: Separated.
Scherzando [It.]: Playful. Septet [En.]: Ensemble of seven players.
Scherzevole [It.]: Playful, jokingly. Septeto [Sp.]: (Septet) Ensemble of seven players.
Scherzhaft [It.]: Playful. Septett [Ger.]: (Septet) Ensemble of seven players.
Scherzo [It.]: Playful, jokingly; a playful or joking Septetto [It.]: (Septet) Ensemble of seven players.
musical form. Septuor [Fr.]: (Septet) Ensemble of seven players.
Scherzoso [It.]: Playful. Serioso [It.]: Serious.
Schiettamente [It.]: Straightforward, honest, Serrant [It.]: Becoming faster.
unsophisticated. Sestetto [It.]: (Sextet) Ensemble of six players.
Schietto [It.]: Straightforward, honest, Seul [Fr.]: Alone; a passage or entire piece to be
unsophisticated. played by one player only.
Schleppen [Ger.]: To drag. Seule [Fr.]: Only just, solely, not more than.
Schlummerlied [Ger.]: Slumber song. Seulement [Fr.]: Only just, solely, not more than.
Schluss [Ger.]: Conclusion. Sextet [En.]: Ensemble of six players.
Schlüssel [Ger.]: Clef; see Appendix B. Sexteto [Sp.]: (Sextet) Ensemble of six players.
Schmachtend [Ger.]: Languishing. Sextette [Fr.]: (Sextet) Ensemble of six players.
Schmeichelnd [Ger.]: Flatter, compliment. Sextette [Ger.]: (Sextet) Ensemble of six players.
Schmerzlich [Ger.]: Painful, sad. Sextuor [Fr.]: (Sextet) Ensemble of six players.
Schmetternd [Ger.]: Blaring, brassy; usually in Sf. [It.]: Abbreviation for sforzando or sforzato;
reference to the horn section. forcing, forced, accented, loud.
Schnell [Ger.]: Fast. Sfogato [It.]: Give vent to, express without restraint.
Schneller [Ger.]: Faster. Sforzando [It.]: (sf) Forcing, forced, accented, loud.
Schrittmässig [Ger.]: Measured; moderately slow Sforzando‐piano [It.]: (sfp) Loud attack followed
tempo. directly by soft.
Schütteln [Ger.]: To shake. Sforzato [It.]: (sfp) Forcing, forced, accented, loud.
Schwach [Ger.]: Weak, soft. Sfp. [It.]: Abbreviation for sforzando‐piano; loud
Schwächer [Ger.]: Weaker, softer. attack followed directly by soft.
Schweigen [Ger.]: To be silent. Sfz [It.]: Abbreviation for sforzando or sofrzato;
Schwer [Ger.]: Heavy, ponderous. forcing, forced, accented, loud.
Schwindend [Ger.]: Dying or fading away. Sharp [En.]: A symbol that raises the pitch by a half‐
Schwungvoll [Ger.]: Spirited, energetic. step; also refers to describe the intonation of a
Sciolto [It.]: Free and easy, unconstrained. performer or group of performers when the
Scorrendo [It.]: Flowing. sound is too high by some degree.
Scorrevole [It.]: Flowing. Siciliana [It.]: A Sicilian dance in 12/8 or 6/8 meter
Sec [Fr.]: Dry, short. with a slow, graceful melody.
Secco [It.]: Dry, short. Silence [Fr.]: Rest, quiet, hush.
Seconda volta [It.]: Second time, second ending. Silenzio [It.]: Rest, quiet, hush.
Secondo [It.]: Second. Simile [It.]: In a similar fashion.
Seelenvoll [Ger.]: Soulful. Simili [It.]: In a similar fashion.
Segno [It.]: Sign, mark. Sin [It.]: Since.
Segue [It.]: Follows; indicates that the next section of Sinʹ al Fine [It.]: Up until the end.
a piece should follow immediately. Sinʹ al Segno [It.]: Up until the sign or mark.
Sehnsucht [Ger.]: Longing. Singend [Ger.]: Singing.
Sehr [Ger.]: Very. Singhiozzando [It.]: Hiccup.
Semplice [It.]: Simple, plain. Slancio [It.]: Momentum, impetus.
Semplicità [It.]: Simplicity, ease, informality. Slargando [It.]: Broadening, becoming slower;
Sempre [It.]: Always. sometimes accompanied with increased volume.
Glossary of Musical Terms page 13
Slentando [It.]: Slowing down. Spirito [It.]: Spirit.
Sminuendo [It.]: Decreasing in volume. Spiritoso [It.]: Spirit.
Smorzando [It.]: (smorz.) Dying or fading away, in Spumante [It.]: Sparkling.
dynamic and usually tempo as well. Squillante [It.]: Shrill, resonantly.
Snello [It.]: Slender, agile, graceful. Staccatissimo [It.]: Very separated, very detached.
So [Ger.]: So. Staccato [It.]: (stacc.) Separated, detached.
Soave [It.]: Gentle, sweet, soft. Stark [Ger.]: Strong, loud.
Sofort [Ger.]: Immediately; as in proceed to the Stärker [Ger.]: Stronger, louder.
following movement without pause. Steigern [Ger.]: Increase, intensify, as in loudness.
Sognando [It.]: Dreamy. Stendando [It.]: Slowing, stretching.
Solenne [It.]: Solemn, stately. Stentando [It.]: Halting.
Solennel [Fr.]: Grave, solemn. Stentato [It.]: Halting.
Soli [It.]: Within an ensemble, this refers to passage Sterben [Ger.]: Dying or fading away.
to be played by a small group or section. Steso [It.]: Lying down; refers to slow tempo.
Solo [It.]: Alone; a passage or entire piece to be Stesso [It.]: Same.
played by one player only. Stil [Ger.]: Style.
Son [Fr.]: Sound. Stile [It.]: Style.
Sonata [It.]: A musical work for solo instrument(s) Stimme [Ger.]: Part.
in three or more movements. Stimmen [Ger.]: Plural of stimme; parts.
Sonate [Ger.]: Sonata; a musical work for solo Stimmung [Ger.]: Mood
instrument(s) in three or more movements.. Stinguendo [It.]: Dying or fading away.
Sonatina [It.]: A little sonata. Straff [Ger.]: Tight, rigid, strict.
Sonatine [Sp.]: A little sonata. Straziante [It.]: Heart‐breaking, agonizing.
Sonnerie [Fr.]: Ringing; a signal played by bells (or Streng [Ger.]: Severe, strict.
sometimes trumpets). Strepitoso [It.]: Resounding, noisy.
Sonoramente [It.]: Sonorous. Stretto [It.]: Tight, narrow; faster or hastening ahead;
Sonore [It.]: Sonorous. a passage in a fugue in which the contrapuntal
Sonoro [It.]: Sonorous. figures closely overlap oone another in different
Sopra [It.]: Above, on over. voices.
Soprano [It.]: The highest of the four standard voice Stringendo [It.]: Pressing forward.
ranges (soprano, alto, tenor, bass). Strisciando [It.]: Slide; a continuous sliding
Sordina [Sp.]: Mute. movement from one pitch to another.
Sordine [It.]: Mute. Stromenti dʹottoni [It.]: Brass instruments.
Sordino [It.]: Mute. Stück [Ger.]: Piece, composition.
Sospirando [It.]: Sighing, heave a sigh. Stürze [Ger.]: Bell of a wind instrument (as in stürze
Sostenendo [It.]: Sustained, sustaining. hoch: bell high).
Sostenuto [It.]: Sustained, sustaining. Style [Fr.]: Style.
Sotto [It: Under, below. Subito [It.]: Immediately, suddenly.
Sotto voce [It.]: Undertone, subdued. Sul [It.]: On the, over the.
Soupirant [Fr.]: Sighing, heave a sigh. Sur [Fr.]: On.
Sourd [Fr.]: Low, muffled, muted. Sussurando [It.]: Whispering.
Sourd. [Fr.]: Abbreviation for sourdine; mute. Svelto [It.]: Fleet, nimble.
Sourdine [Fr.]: Mute. Syncopation [En.]: Rhythmic device whereby
Sourdine [It.]: Mute. normally non‐emphasized beats are accented in
Sourdine Bol [Fr.]: Cup mute. some way.
Soutenu [Fr.]: Sustained, sustaining. Syncope [En.]: An accented note which takes place
Spasshafte [Ger.]: Funny. on a normallynon‐emphasized beat.
Sperdendosi [It.]: Dying or fading away. Tacet [Lat.]: Silent; do not play.
Spiccato [It.]: Jump; distinct, separated articulation. Takt [Ger.]: Beat; meaure; meter.
Spienato [It.]: Level, smooth, even. Taktmässig [Ger.]: In strict tempo.
Spirando [It.]: Expiring, dying away. Taktmesser [Ger.]: Metronome.
Glossary of Musical Terms page 14
Taktstrich [Ger.]: Measure line. Tod und Verklärung [Ger.]: ʺDeath and
Tanto [It.]: So much. Transfiguration;ʺ major orcheatral work (tone
Tanz [Ger.]: Dance. poem) by Richard Strauss.
Tarantella [It.]: Dance, usually in 6/8 time, Tonfarbe [Ger.]: Tone color, timbre.
originating in southern Italy. Tosto [It.]: Quickly, immediately.
Tardamente [It.]: Dull; refers to a slow tempo. Tpt. : Abbreviation for trumpet.
Tardando [It.]: Increasingly dull; refers to a slowing Traîner [Fr.]: To drag.
tempo. Traîner [Fr.]: Lounge, mope, drag along.
Tardo [It.]: Dull; refers to a slow tempo. Tranquillo [It.]: Quiet, peaceful.
Tema [It.]: Theme, subject, topic. Trascinando [It.]: Dragging.
Tempestoso [It.]: Stormy, tempestuous. Trascinare [It.]: To drag.
Tempo [It.]: Time; the speed/pulse of a piece of Trattenuto [It.]: Drawn out, retained, held back.
music. Tratto [It.]: Draw out.
Tempo di marcia [It.]: March tempo. Trauermarsch [Ger.]: Funeral march.
Tempo di valse [It.]: Waltz tempo. Trauermusik [Ger.]: Funeral music.
Tempo giusto [It.]: Strict. precise time. Trauernd [Ger.]: Mournful, lamenting.
Tempo I [Fr., Ger., It.]: (also Tempo I°) Return to Träumerisch [Ger.]: Dreamy.
original tempo after some deviation from it. Traurig [Ger.]: Sad.
Tempo ordinario [It.]: Common time (4/4); Travailler [Fr.]: Work, work on, practice.
moderate tempo. Treibend [Ger.]: Driving.
Tempo Primo [It.]: Return to original tempo after Très [Fr.]: Very.
some deviation from it. Triple tongue [En.]: Use of two consonants in fast
Tempo rubato [It.]: Robbed time; speeding up and articulation of triplets on brass instruments and
slowing down for expressive purposes. some woodwinds; two patterns may be used:
Tempo Uno [It.]: Return to original tempo after tah‐tah‐kah (most common) and tah‐kah‐tah
some deviation from it. (also known as utility or fanfare tongue).
Temps [Fr.]: Time. Triste [It.]: Sad, dolorous.
Ten. [It.]: Abbreviation for tenuto; keep, hold, grip; Tromba [It.]: Trumpet.
sustain without detachment. Trombón [Sp.]: Trombone.
Teneramente [It.]: Tenderly. Trompeta [Sp.]: Trumpet.
Tenerezza [It.]: Tenderness. Trompete [Ger.]: Trumpet.
Tenor [It.]: One of the four standard voice ranges, Trompette [Fr.]: Trumpet.
below Alto and above Bass (soprano, alto, tenor, Tronca [It.]: Cut off.
bass). Trop [Fr.]: Too much.
Tenuto [It.]: Keep, hold, grip; sustain without Trpt. : Abbreviation for trumpet.
detachment. Tuba [Lat.]: In ancient Rome, a long, straight natural
Ternary [Lat.]: Consisting of three parts; in music, a trumpet, used for military purposes.
form consisting of three parts: ABA. Tutti [It.]: All; all players together.
Tessitura [It.]: Generally used to identify the most Über [Ger.]: Over, above, super.
common range within a piece of music. Übung [Ger.]: Study.
Thème [Fr.]: Theme, motive. Un [It.]: One, a, an.
Thetic [Lat.]: Describes a phrase beginnning on the Un peu [Fr.]: A little.
downbeat of the first measure. Un poco [It.]: A little.
Till Eulenspiegels lustige Streiche [Ger.]: ʺTill Unbetont [Ger.]: Unstressed, not accented.
Eulenspiegelʹs Merry Pranks;ʺ major orchestral Une [Fr.]: One, a, an.
work (tone poem) by Richard Strauss. Ungebunden [Ger.]: Unbound, freely, unrestrained.
Timbre [Lat.]: The quality of a musical tone that Ungeduldig [Ger.]: Impatient.
distinguishes voices, instruments and individual Ungestüm [Ger.]: Impetuous, impulsive.
performers. Ungezwungen [Ger.]: Unconstrained, freely.
Tirando [It.]: Pull, stretch, drag. Unheimlich [Ger.]: Uncanny, uneasy.
Unis. [En.]: Abbreviation for unison; same pitch.
Glossary of Musical Terms page 15
Unison [En.]: Same pitch. Volonté [Fr.]: Flying, gliding.
Unisono [It.]: Same pitch. Volta [It.]: Time.
Uniti [It.]: United, joined. Volti [It.]: Page.
Unmerklich [Ger.]: Imperceptible. Volti subito [It.]: Turn quickly.
Unruhig [Ger.]: Restless. Vorbereiten [Ger.]: Prepare.
Unter [Ger.]: Below, under. Vorher [Ger.]: Previously.
Urtext [Ger.]: Denotes a text presumed to be in the Vorspiel [Ger.]: Prelude, overture.
original state, without any editions of any kind. Vortrag [Ger.]: Presentation, interpretation.
Ut supra [Lat.]: As above, as before. Vorwärts [Ger.]: Forward, continue.
Utility tongue [En.]: (Fanfare tongue) Triple tongue Vorwärtsdrängend [Ger.]: Becoming faster; faster.
using tah‐kah‐tah pattern; said to provide more Wachsend [Ger.]: Growing.
even and precise rhythm. Waltz [En.]: Dance in 3/4 time, originating in
V.S. [It.]: Abbreviation for volti subito; turn quickly. Vienna, Austria.
V.S. [It.]: Abbreviation for Volti subito. Walzer [Ger.]: Dance in 3/4 time, originating in
Valse [Fr.]: Waltz; dance in 3/4 time, originating in Vienna, Austria.
Vienna, Austria. Wärme [Ger.]: Warm.
Valse [Sp.]: Dance in 3/4 time, originating in Vienna, Wechsel [Ger.]: Change (as in change of tuning or
Austria. change of instrument).
Valzer [It.]: Dance in 3/4 time, originating in Vienna, Wehmütig [Ger.]: Melancholy.
Austria. Weich [Ger.]: Soft, delicate.
Varänderungen [Ger.]: Variations. Weinachtsoratorium [Ger.]: ʺChristmas Oratorio;ʺ
Veloce [It.]: Quick, swift. major work (oratorio) for orchestra, chorus and
Velocemente [It.]: Quick, swift. soloists by Johann Sebastian Bach.
Velocissimo [It.]: As quickly as possible. Wenig [Ger.]: Few, little.
Vent [Fr.]: Wind instrument. Weniger [Ger.]: Fewer, less.
Verhallend [Ger.]: Dying or fading away. Wie [Ger.]: As, like.
Verlag [Ger.]: Publishing house. Wolno [Pol.]: Loose, slowly.
Verlöschend [Ger.]: Extinguishing, dying away. Wuchtig [Ger.]: Mighty, vigorous.
Vermindert [Ger.]: Diminishes. Würdig [Ger.]: Worthy, dignified.
Verschwindend [Ger.]: Disappearing. Wütend [Ger.]: Furiously.
Verstärken [Ger.]: Reinforce, strengthen. Zählzeit [Ger.]: Beat; meaure; meter.
Via [It.]: Away. Zart [Ger.]: Tender, delicate, delicately.
Vibrant [Fr.]: Vibrating. Zartheit [Ger.]: Tenderness, delicateness.
Vibrato [It.]: Pulsate, resonate; a fluctuation in pitch Zärtlich [Ger.]: Tenderness, delicateness.
used to enliven and enrich the sound. Zarückhalten [Ger.]: Slowing down.
Vif [Fr.]: Lively, brisk. Zäsur [Ger.]: Pause.
Vif [Fr.]: Lively, brisk. Zelo [It.]: Zeal, zealous, zealously.
Vingt [Fr.]: Twenty. Zelosamente [It.]: Zeal, zealous, zealously.
Virtuosité [Fr.]: Virtuosity. Zeloso [It.]: Zeal, zealous, zealously.
Vite [Fr.]: Fast. Ziehen [Ger.]: Drawn out, retained, held back.
Vitement [Fr.]: Fast. Ziemlich [Ger.]: Fairly, quite, rather.
Vittorioso [It.]: Victoriously. Zitternd [Ger.]: Trembling, refers to tremolos.
Vivace [It.]: Lively, brisk. Zögern [Ger.]: Doubtful, hesitating.
Vivacissimo [It.]: Very lively and brisk. Zu [Ger.]: To toward.
Vivamente [It.]: Lively, brisk. Zuerst [Ger.]: First.
Vivement [Fr.]: Lively, brisk. Zunge [Ger.]: Tongue.
Vivo [It.]: Lively, brisk.
Voce [It.]: Voice, part.
Voilé [Fr.]: Veiled.
Volante [It.]: Flying, gliding.
Voll [Ger.]: Full of, filled with.
Glossary of Musical Terms Pitch Names Appendix A
Below is a table showing the pitch‐naming systems in English, French, German, Italian and Spanish. After that
are shown codifications in those languages for sharps, flats, double‐sharps, double‐flats and naturals.
Pitch Names
English C D E F G A B
German C D E** F G A** H*
French ut ré mi fa sol la si
Italian do re mi fa sol la si
Spanish do re mi fa sol la si
*In the German system, H corresponds with B‐natural, while B‐flat is shown as Bs.
**In the German system, E‐flat is shown as Es and A‐flat is shown as As.
Sharps and Flats
(using C as the example)
Music Notation
Music Notation X
Music Notation
English natural
German bécarre
French auflösungszeichen/quadrat
Italian bequadro
Spanish becuadro
Glossary of Musical Terms Clef Appendix B
Clefs are placed at the left side of a musical staff to establish a reference point for
the position of a particular pitch. At left are the four primary clefs. The G clef
shows the location of the G as the only staff position which is crossed three times
(note the spiral figure in the middle). The C clef brackets the position of Middle
C (directly in the middle of the figure). The F clef locates the F between two
points. The neutral clef, or percussion clef, indicates no definite pitch and is
used for percussion or otherwise indefinite‐pitched purposes. To the
right are the five most commonly‐seen clefs in modern common‐
practice music. The treble clef is, far and away, the most often used,
followed closely by the bass clef. The alto and tenor clefs are less
common, mostly used in writing for viola, cello, bassoon and
trombone. The neutral clef, as previously mentioned, usually is found
only in percussion parts.
G clef
(middle C is indicated in each example)
(a) soprano treble clef; (b) French violin clef; (c) treble clef (common); (d) tenor treble clef (relatively common)
C clef
(middle C is indicated in each example)
(a) soprano clef, descant clef; (b) mezzo‐soprano clef; (c) alto clef (common); (d) tenor clef (common); (e) baritone clef
F clef
(middle C is indicated in each example)
(a) baritone clef; (b) bass clef (common) ; (c) sub‐bass clef; (d) contra‐bass clef