GlossaryofMusicalTerms

Inmymusicstudies,Ihaveoftenfounditfrustratingnotknowingthemeaning
ofallthewordsonthepage.Manycomposersmakeveryspecificindications,
andseldomarethoseindicationsinEnglish.Whatfollowsisafairlylonglist
of musical definitions and descriptions gleaned primarily from multiple
Internet searches (utilizing available translation services). I also used a few
booksources,mostlyforpurposesofcorroboration.

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
orchestralliterature,aswellasinetudebooksandothermusictexts.Thoughit
isgearedtowardstrumpetplayers,Ibelieveitmightbeusefultoanymusician.
Please note that, while this listing has in excess of 1,200 entries, it is by no
meansanexhaustivelist.

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
simpleglossaryofterms.Itisreallyanencyclopedia,encompassingawiderangeofmusical
topics, and I find it interesting just to read a few articles once in a while. Beyond the
dictionaryentries,therearearticlesonimportantcomposersandimportantindividualpieces,
entries on widely varying musical styles, music theory and general music history. The
information is very wellresearched and each entry morethanadequately covers themajor
aspects of each topic. The book is available in many places and currently sells for
approximately$40.00.

TableofContents

AAngosciosamente
1
ngstlichBMI
2
BolConsordina
3
CorEn
4
EndehorsFort
5
ForteGrandezza
6
GrandiosoLePomedelextase
7
LeSacreduPrintempsMelancolico
8
MenoOktett
9
OmaggioPp
10
11
PrcdenteSanft
SansSlargando
12
SlentandoTaktmesser
13
TaktstrichUnis.
14
UnisonZunge
15
Appendices
PitchNames
AppendixA
Clef
AppendixB

GlossaryofMusicalTerms

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A[It.]:Articlemeaningto,at,for,in,inthestyleof,
per.
[Fr.]:Articlemeaningto,at,for,in,inthestyleof,
per.
Abeneplacito[It.]:Attheperformerspleasure.
Acapella[It.]:Performedwithoutinstrumental
accompaniment.
Adue[It.]:(ora2)Intendedasaduet;fortwovoices
orinstruments.
la[Fr.]:Tothe,atthe;orinthemannerof.
Apiacere[It.]:Attheperfomerspleasure.
Atempo[It.]:Returntooriginaltempoaftersome
deviationfromit.
volont[Fr.]:Attheperformerspleasure.
a2[It.]:(oradue)Intendedasaduet;fortwovoices
orinstruments.
Ab[Ger.]:Off,aswithamute.
Abandonn[Fr.]:Withabandon,withoutrestraint.
Abbandonatamente[It.]:Withabandon,without
restraint.
Abbellimento[It.]:Ornament.
Aber[It.]:But.
Abnehmend[Ger.]:(dim.)Decreasinginvolume.
Absetzen[Ger.]:Seperated,articulated.
Abtossen[Ger.]:Detached.
Accarezzvole[It.]:Expressiveandcaring;sweetly.
Accelerando[It.]:(accel.)Becomingfaster;faster.
Accelerato[It.]:(accel.)Becomingfaster;faster.
Accentato[It.]:Marked,stressed,emphasized.
Accompagnato[It.]:Accompanied.
Accus[Fr.]:Marked,stressed,emphasized.
Adlibitum[Lat.]:Attheperformerspleasure;
sometimesmeansapassagemaybeomitted.
Adagietto[It.]:Slightlyfastertempothanadagio;
slowtempo,butlesssomberthanadagio.
Adagio[It.]:Slowtempo.
Adagissimo[It.]:Extremelyslowtempo.
Addolorato[It.]:Pained,afflicted.
Affabile[It.]:Affable,pleasant.
Affannato[It.]:Anguished.
Affannoso[It.]:Anguished.
Affectueusement[Fr.]:Affectionate.
Affettuoso[It.]:(alsoAffetuosamente)Affectionate.
Affretanrdo[It.]:Hurrying.
Agevole[It.]:Easy,unrestricted.
Aggradevole[It.]:Pleasing.
Agiatamente[It.]:Sedate,withease.
Agiato[It.]:Sedate,withease.
Agile[It.]:Agile.
Agilmente[It.]:Agile.
Agitato[It.]:Agitated.

Agit[Fr.]:Agitated.
hnlich[Ger.]:Similar,alike.
Airietta[It.]:Ashortaria.
Ais[Fr.]:Withease.
Al[It.]:Tothe,atthe;orinthemannerof.
Al[It.]:Tothe,atthe.
Alla[It.]:Tothe,atthe;inthemannerof.
Allabreve[It.]:Atthebreve;cuttime.
Allant[Fr.]:Going,stirring,continuing;andante.
Allargando[It.]:Broadening,becomingslower;
sometimesaccompaniedwithincreasedvolume.
Alle[Ger.]:All.
Allemenschenmuessensterben[Ger.]:Allpeople
mustdie;BachchoralereferenceinHindemiths
SonataforTrumpetandPiano.
Allegramente[It.]:Merry,lively;fast.
Allegretto[It.]:Slightlyslowerthanallegro.
Allegrissimo[It.]:Veryfast,butslightlyslowerthan
Presto.
Allegro[It.]:(allo)Merry,lively;fast.
Allein[Ger.]:Alone.
Allentamente[It.]:Slowingdown.
Allentando[It.]:Slowingdown.
Allmhlich[Ger.]:Gradually,littlebylittle.
Als[Ger.]:Than.
AlsosprachZarathustra[Ger.]:ThusSpake
Zarathustra;majororchestralwork(tonepoem)
byRichardStrauss,inspiredbythebookofthe
samenamebyFriedrichNietzsche.
Altissimo[It.]:Veryhigh.
Alto[It.]:High;usuallyreferstoaparticularvoice
part,higherthantenor,butlowerthansoprano.
Am[Ger.]:Atthe,atthat.
Amabile[It.]:Amiable,likeable.
Amarevole[It.]:Bitterorbitterly.
Amaro[It.]:Bitterorbitterly.
Amore[It.]:Love,lovingly.
Amorevole[It.]:Love,lovingly.
Amoroso[It.]:Love,lovingly.
Anacrusis[Lat.]:Anoteorgroupofnoteswhich
precedethefirstfullmeasure;slsoknownasa
pickupnote.
Ancora[It.]:Still,more.
Andacht[Ger.]:Devotion,devoutly.
Andchtig[Ger.]:Devotion,devoutly.
Andante[It.]:Walking;moderatelyslow.
Andantino[It.]:Slightlyfasterthanandante.
Anfang[Ger.]:Beginning.
Angenehm[Ger.]:Pleasant,pleasantly.
Anglaise[Fr.]:English.
Angosciosamente[It.]:Anguished.

GlossaryofMusicalTerms

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ngstlich[It.]:Anxious,anxiously.
Animando[It.]:Animating,becominganimated,
animated;indicatesspeedingup.
Animandosi[It.]:Animating,becominganimated,
animated;indicatesspeedingup.
Animato[It.]:Animating,becominganimated,
animated;indicatesspeedingup.
Animato[It.]:Animated,lively.
Anim[Fr.]:Animated;moderatelyfasttempo.
Animez[Fr.]:Animate,bringtolife.
Animo[It.]:Spirit,spirited.
Animoso[It.]:Spirit,spirited.
Anmutig[Ger.]:Graceful,gracefully.
Anschwellend[Ger.]:Increasinginvolume,louder.
Anwachsend[Ger.]:Growing,swelling,increasing.
Apais[Fr.]:Calm,calmed.
Appasionato[It.]:Impassioned.
Appena[It.]:Scarcely.
Appoggiatora[It.]:Adisonantpitchonastronger
beatresolvingupordowntoaconsonantpitch
onaweakerbeat.
Appuy[Fr.]:Accented,accentuated.
Ardimente[It.]:Boldly.
Ardito[It.]:Boldly.
Aria[It.]:Air;anexpressivesong,usuallyperformed
byasinger.
Arioso[It.]:Airy,likeanair;melodious;inthe
mannerofanaria.
Armonioso[It.]:Harmoniously.
Arpeggio[It.]:Toplayontheharp;abrokenchord
wherethenotesareplayedorsunginsequence
(asaharp),oneaftertheother,ratherthan
simultaneouslyasachord.
Arriver[Fr.]:Arrive.
ASCAP:AbbreviatedforAmericanSocietyof
Composers,AuthorsandPublishers.
Assai[It.]:Much,verymuch.
Assez[It.]:Sufficiently,rather.
Atem[Ger.]:Breath.
Atempause[Ger.]:Breathingpause.
Attacca[It.]:Attack,attackimmediately;movetothe
nextmovementimmediately.
Attaccasubito[It.]:Attacksuddenly,attack
immediately;movetothenextmovement
immediately.
Auf[Ger.]:Up.
Aufgeregt[Ger.]:Excited,energetic.
Ausdruck[Ger.]:Expression.
Ausdrucksvoll[Ger.]:Expression;expressively.
Aushalten[Ger.]:Tosustain,hold.
usserst[Ger.]:Extremely,much,very.

Avec[Fr.]:With,togetherwith.
Avoir[Fr.]:Own,have.
Barbaro[It.]:Barbarous;barbaric.
Barcarola[It.]:Song,oftenin6/8or12/8time,
originatinginVenice,Italy.
Barcarole[En.]:Song,oftenin6/8or12/8time,
originatinginVenice,Italy.
Barcarolle[Fr.]:Song,oftenin6/8or12/8time,
originatinginVenice,Italy.
Bass[En.]:Thelowestofthefourstandardvoice
ranges(soprano,alto,tenor,bass);thelowest
melodiclineinamusicalcomposition,
defininingandsupportingtheharmony.
Basso[It.]:Low,bass;thelowestofthefour
standardvoiceranges(soprano,alto,tenor,
bass);thelowestmelodiclineinamusical
composition,defininingandsupportingthe
harmony.
Bassocontinuo[It.]:Continuousbass;basspart
playedthroughoutapiecetodefiningand
supportingharmonicstructure,usedprimarily
inmusicoftheBaroqueperiod.
Bedchtig[Ger.]:Deliberate,slow.
Behende[Ger.]:Agile,quick.
Beklemmt[Ger.]:Anxious,oppressed.
Belebend[Ger.]:Lively,animated.
Belebt[Ger.]:Lively,animated.
Bellicoso[It.]:Bellicose,pugnacious;warlikein
manner.
Ben[It.]:Well.
Bene[It.]:Well.
Beruhigend[Ger.]:Calm,calming.
Beruhigt[Ger.]:Calm,calming.
Beschleunigend[Ger.]:Speedingup.
Beschleunigt[Ger.]:Speedingup.
Bestimmt[Ger.]:Decisive,decisively.
Betont[Ger.]:Accented,stressed.
Beweglich[Ger.]:Nimble,nimbly,agile.
Bewegt[Ger.]:Agitated.
Bien[Fr.]:Fine,good,well.
Binary[Lat.]:Consistingoftwoparts;inmusic,a
formconsistingoftwoparts:AB.
Bis[Lat.]:Twice;repeattherelevantactionof
passage.
Blasinstrument[Ger.]:Windinstrument.
Blasmusik[Ger.]:Musicforwindinstruments.
Blech[Ger.]:Brassinstruments.
Blechinstrumente[Ger.]:Brassinstruments.
Blechmusik[Ger.]:Musicforbrassinstruments.
BMI:AbbreviationforBroadcastMusic
Incorporated.

GlossaryofMusicalTerms

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Bol[Fr.]:Bowl;oftenreferstocupmute.
Bolero[Sp.]:Dancein3/4time,originatinginSpain.
Bon[Fr.]:Good,fair,fine.
Bravura[It.]:Skill,bravery;virtuosticdisplay.
Breit[Ger.]:Broad.
Breve[Lat.]:Short.
Brevis[Lat.]:Short.
Brillante[It.]:Brilliant.
Brilliante[It.]:Brilliant.
Brio[It.]:Vivacious,spirited.
Brioso[It.]:Vivacious,spirited.
Buccina[Lat.]:ARomantrumpetorhorn;straight
trumpet.
Bgelhorn[Ger.]:Bugle.
Bugle[Fr.]:Flugelhorn.
Buisine[Fr.]:Amedievalmilitarytrumpet.
Busine[Fr.]:Amedievalmilitarytrumpet.
Buysine[Fr.]:Amedievalmilitarytrumpet.
Buzanne[Fr.]:Amedievalmilitarytrumpet.
Buzine[Fr.]:Amedievalmilitarytrumpet.
BWV[Ger.]:(BachWerkeVerzeichnis)Athematic
catalogoftheworksofJ.S.Bach.
Cadence[Fr.]:Cadence,rhythm.
Cadenza[It.]:Asolosection,usuallyinaconcertoor
similarwork,usedtodisplaytheperformers
technique.
Caesura[It.]:Pause.
Calando[It.]:Decreasinginloudnessandusuallyin
tempo.
Calmando[It.]:Calm,calming;becomingquiet.
Calmato[It.]:Calm,calming;becomingquiet.
Calore[It.]:Warm,warmth,passionately.
Caloroso[It.]:Warm,warmth,passionately.
Cambiare[It.]:Tochange;i.e.tochangetoanew
instrument,etc.
Camminando[It.]:Walking,movingevenlyalong.
Cantabile[It.]:(cant.)Singable,songlike.
Cantando[It.]:Singing.
Capo[It.]:Head.
Capriccio[It.]:Capricious,capriciously,atthe
playerspleasure;alsoamusicalforminalight
style.
Capricciosamente[It.]:Capricious,capriciously,at
theplayerspleasure.
Capriccioso[It.]:Capricious,capriciously,atthe
playerspleasure.
Carazzendo[It.]:Soothingly,caressingly.
Cedando[It.]:Slowingdown.
Cdez[Fr.]:Yield,slowdown.
Celare[It.]:Fast,quickly.
Celeramente[It.]:Fast,quickly.

Cesura[Sp.]:Pause.
Csure[Fr.]:Pause.
Chalaur[Fr.]:Warm,warmth,passionately.
Chant[Fr.]:Singing.
Chasse[Fr.]:Chase,hunt.
Chiaramente[It.]:Clear,clearly.
Chiaro[It.]:Clear,clearly.
Chiave[It.]:Clef;seeAppendixB.
Chiuso[It.]:Closed;mutedbyhand.
Cinq[Fr.]:Five.
Clarino[It.]:HighrangeoftheBaroque(natural)
trumpet(thelowrangeiscalledtheprincipalle);
referstothestylefotrumpetplayingutilizing
thehighregisterofthenaturaltrumpet,where
theharmonicseriesallowsfordiatonic
movement.
Clave[Sp.]:Clef;seeAppendixB.
Clef[En.]:SeeAppendixB.
Clos[Fr.]:Shut,closed.
Coda[It.]:Tail;concludingsection.
Codetta[It.]:Asmallcoda.
Col[It.]:With.
Collaparte[It.]:Aplayershoulddoubleanothers
part.
Colossale[It.]:Collossal,tremendous.
Comdamente[It.]:Comfortable,easy(usuallyrefers
totempo)
Come[It.]:How,as,like.
Comeprima[It.]:Asbefore,likethefirsttime;
usuallyreferstoanearliertempoorspecifically
thefirsttempo.
Comesopra[It.]:Asabove;usuallyreferstothe
previoustempo
Comme[Fr.]:As,like.
Commontime[En.]:Referstothetimesignature4/4.
Commosso[It.]:Moved,touched.
Comodo[It.]:Comfortable,easy(usuallyrefersto
tempo)
Con[It.]:With.
Conaffeto[It.]:Withaffection,oremotion.
Conamore[It.]:Withlove
Conanima[It.]:Withsoul,orfeeling.
Conbrio[It.]:Withspirit,vigor.
Condolore[It.]:Withsadness.
Conespressione[It.]:Withexpression.
Conforza[It.]:Withstrength,force.
Confuoco[It.]:Withfire.
Conlarghezza[It.]:Withbroadness.
Conmoto[It.]:With,movement,motion.
Conslancio[It.]:Withmomentum,impetus.
Consordina[It.]:Withmute.

GlossaryofMusicalTerms

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Cor[Fr.]:Horn.
Cornetpistons[Fr.]:Cornet.
Corneta[Sp.]:Cornet.
Cornetta[It.]:Cornet.
Corno[It.]:Horn.
Crescendo[It.]:(cresc.)Growing;increasingvolume.
Cuarteto[Sp.]:(Quartet)Ensembleoffourplayers.
Cuivre[Fr.]:Brassyandharsh.
Cuttime[En.]:Referstothetimesignature2/2.
D.C.:Abbreviationfordacapo.
D.S.:Abbreviationfordalsegno.
Da[It.]:From,at.
DaCapo[It.]:(D.C.)Fromthebeginning.
Dal[It.]:Fromthe.
DalSegno[It.]:(D.S.)Fromthesign.
Dmpfer[Ger.]:Mute.
Dattaque[Fr.]:Attack.
Dauer[Ger.]:Duration.
Dauernd[Ger.]:Duration.
De[Fr.]:From,of.
Debole[It.]:Weak,faint.
Dcid[Fr.]:Decisive,decisively.
Decisamente[It.]:Decisive,decisively.
Deciso[It.]:Decisive,decisively.
Declamato[It.]:Declamatory.
Decrescendo[It.]:(decresc.)Decreasinginvolume.
Dehors[Fr.]:Intheopen,prominent.
Del[It.]:Ofthe,aboutthe.
Delicatamente[It.]:Delicate,delicately.
Delicatezza[It.]:Delicate,delicately.
Delicato[It.]:Delicate,delicately.
Dli[Fr.]:Sharp,detached.
Derb[Ger.]:Rough,robust.
Des[Fr.]:The,some.
Dtach[Fr.]:Detached;unconcerned,nonchalant.
Deutlich[Ger.]:Clear,distinct.
Deux[Fr.]:Two.
Devoto[It.]:Devout,devoutly,faithful.
Di[It.]:About,of,by.
Dimolto[It.]:Very.
Dinuovo[It.]:New,again.
Diluendo[It.]:Dilute,thinning;dyingaway.
Diminuendo[It.]:(dim.)Decreasinginvolume.
Disinvolto[It.]:Confident,freeandeasy.
Dissonante[It.]:Dissonant.
Div.[It.]:Abbreviationfordivisi;part,divide.
Divisi[It.]:Part,divide.
Doigt[Fr.]:Fingering.
Dolce[It.]:Sweet.
Dolcezza[It.]:Sweetness,gentleness.
Dolcissimo[It.]:Muchsweetness,gentleness.

Dolente[It.]:Sad.
Doloroso[It.]:Painful,mournful.
Doppelt[Ger.]:Double.
Doppeltsoschnell[Ger.]:Twiceasfast.
Doppio[It.]:Double.
Doppiomovimento[It.]:Twiceasfast.
Doubletongue[En.]:Useoftwoconsonants(tah
kah)infastarticulationofcoupletsonbrass
instrumentsandsomewoodwinds.
Doucement[Fr.]:Gently,softly.
Douloureux[Fr.]:Painful,sorrowful.
Doux[Fr.]:Sweet,soft.
Doux[Fr.]:Gentle,sweet,soft.
Drammatico[It.]:Dramatically.
Drngend[Ger.]:Pressing,quickening.
Duolo[It.]:Grief.
Dur[Ger.]:Major.
Duramente[It.]:Harshly,severely.
Durchdringend[Ger.]:Piercing,shrill
Duret[Fr.]:Hardness,harshness,toughness;
severity.
Durezza[It.]:Hardness,toughness.
Dynamics[It.]:Referstotherelativevolumein
executionofapieceofmusic.
E[It.]:And.
clatant[Fr.]:Brilliant,dazzling,asanexplosion.
Eco[It.]:Echo.
galement[Fr.]:Too,same,aswell.
galit[Fr.]:Equality.
Eile[Ger.]:Hurry.
Eilend[Ger.]:Hurrying.
EinHeldenleben[Ger.]:AHeroicLife;major
orchestralwork(tonepoem)byRichardStrauss.
Einwenig[Ger.]:Alittle.
EineAlpensinfonie[Ger.]:AnAlpineSympony;
majororchestralwork(tonepoem)byRichard
Strauss.
Einfacht[Ger.]:Simple.
Einhlang[Ger.]:Unison.
largissant[Fr.]:Broadening,becomingslower;
sometimesaccompaniedwithincreasedvolume.
lgant[Fr.]:Elegant,graceful.
lgant[It.]:Elegant.
Elegante[It.]:Elegant.
Empfindsamkeit[Ger.]:Sensitiveness,
sentimentality.
Empfindung[Ger.]:Sensitivity,feeling.
Empress[Fr.]:Avid,eager.
mu[Fr.]:Touched,moved,withemotion.
En[Fr.]:In,into,at;forphrasesbeginningwiththis
preposition,seethewordfollowing.

GlossaryofMusicalTerms

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Endehors[Fr.]:Prominent;prominently.
Enpressant[Fr.]:Pressingforward.
Enretenant[Fr.]:Holdingback.
Enchanez[Fr.]:Chain,restrain,secure;continue
withoutpause.
Encore[Fr.]:Again;inperformance,anadditional
pieceorfragmentofmaterialperformedusually
attherequestoftheaudience.
Energico[It.]:Energetic,stirring,vigorous.
Energique[Fr.]:Energetic,stirring,vigorous.
Enfatico[It.]:Emphatic;emphatically.
Enlevez[Fr.]:Takeoff.
Entendre[Fr.]:Tohear.
Entendu[Fr.]:Heard.
Entfernt[Ger.]:Inthedistance,distant.
Entrain[Fr.]:Pep,energy.
Entscheiden[Ger.]:Decided,resolute.
Entschlssen[Ger.]:Decided,resolute,determined.
Epilogue[Fr.]:Concludingsection.
Ergriffen[Ger.]:Moved,stirred.
Erhaben[Ger.]:Sublime,noble.
Erhabenheit[Ger.]:Sublimity,nobility.
Erlschend[Ger.]:Extinguishing,dyingaway.
Ermattend[Ger.]:Tiring,weakening.
Ernst[Ger.]:Earnest,serious.
Ernsthaft[Ger.]:Earnest,serious.
Eroica[It.]:Heroic,heroically.
Ersatz[Ger.]:Replacement,substitute.
Ersterbend[Ger.]:Dyingaway.
Erweitern[Ger.]:Expand,extend.
Esercizio[It.]:Exercise,study.
Espirando[It.]:Breathingout;expiring,dyingaway.
Espressif[It.]:(espressivo)Withexpression.
Espressione[It.]:Expression.
Espressivo[It.]:(Espress.,Espr.)Withexpression.
Estilo[Sp.]:Style.
Estinguendo[It.]:Extinguishing,dyingaway.
Estinto[It.]:Extinct,extinguished;barelyaudible.
Estomp[Fr.]:Toneddown.
Et[Fr.]:And.
teindre[Fr.]:Toextinguish.
touff[Fr.]:Hushed,muted,dampened.
touffoir[Fr.]:Hushed,muted,dampened.
Etude[Fr.]:Exercise,study.
Etwas[Ger.]:Somewhat.
Eutschlossen[Ger.]:Resolute,determined.
Extrmement[Fr.]:Extremely.
F[It.]:Abbreviationforforte;loud.
Facile[It.]:Easy,simple.
Facilmente[It.]:Easily,simply.
Facultatif[Fr.]:Optional.

Fanfaretongue[En.]:(Utilitytongue)Tripletongue
usingtahkahtahpattern;saidtoprovidemore
evenandpreciserhythm.
Fantasque[Fr.]:Whimsical,capricious.
Fastoso[It.]:Sumptuous,pompous.
Feierlich[Ger.]:Solemn.
Fermata[It.]:Stop;inpractice,thedurationofaso
markednoteisatthediscretionoftheperformer
ortheconductor;afermataattheendofafirst
orintermediatemovementorsectionisusually
moderatelyprolonged,butthefinalfermataofa
symphonymaybepro
Ferne[Ger.]:Distance.
Fernwerk[Ger.]:Asanecho.
Feroce[It.]:Ferociously.
FesteRomane[It.]:RomanFestivals;major
orchestralworkbyOttorinoRespighi(thethird
ofhissocalledRomanTrilogy).
Festivamente[It.]:Festive,cheerful.
Festoso[It.]:Festive.
Festspiel[Ger.]:Festive.
Feuer[Ger.]:Fire,passion.
Feuerig[Ger.]:Fiery,passionate.
FF[It.]:Abbreviationforfortissimo;veryloud.
Fieramente[It.]:Proud,haughty,fierce.
Fiero[It.]:Proud,haughty,fierce.
Fin[Fr.]:Theend.
Fine[It.]:End.
Fiscorno[Sp.]:Flugelhorn.
Flat[En.]:Asymbolthatlowersthepitchbyahalf
step;alsoreferstodescribetheintonationofa
performerorgroupofperformerswhenthe
soundistoolowbysomedegree.
Flatt.[Ger.]:Fluttertongue;thetongueistrilled
againsttheroofofthemouthbehindthefront
teeth.
Flatterzunge[Ger.]:Fluttertongue;thetongueis
trilledagainsttheroofofthemouthbehindthe
frontteeth.
Flebile[It.]:Plaintive,mournful.
Flicorno[It.]:Flugelhorn.
Flssig[Ger.]:Fluid,flowing.
Flsternd[Ger.]:Whispering.
Fluttertongue[En.]:thetongueistrilledagainstthe
roofofthemouthbehindthefrontteeth.
Focoso[It.]:Fiery.
Fois[Fr.]:Time.
FontanediRoma[It.]:RomanFestivals;major
orchestralworkbyOttorinoRespighi(thethird
ofhissocalledRomanTrilogy).
Fort[Fr.]:Forte,strong.

GlossaryofMusicalTerms

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Forte[It.]:(f)Loud.
Fortepiano[It.]:(fp)Loudfollowedimmediatelyby
soft.
Fortissimo[It.]:(ff)Veryloud.
Forza[It.]:Strength,force.
Forzando[It.]:(fz)Forcing,forced;strongly
accented.
Forzato[It.]:(fz)Forcing,forced;stronglyaccented.
Fp[It.]:Fortepiano;loudfollowedimmediatelyby
soft.
Freddo[It.]:Coldly,unemotional.
Frei[Ger.]:Free,freely.
Frescamente[It.]:Fresh,freshly.
Fresco[It.]:Fresh,freshly.
Frettevole[It.]:Hasty,hurried.
Frettoloso[It.]:Hasty,hurried.
Frettoso[It.]:Hasty,hurried.
Frhliche[Ger.]:Joyous.
Frulatto[It.]:Fluttertongue;thetongueistrilled
againsttheroofofthemouthbehindthefront
teeth.
Fuga[Lat.]:SeeFugue.
Fugue[Fr.]:Flight;acomplexandhighly
regimentedcontrapuntalforminmusicwherea
shorttheme(thesubject)isintroducedinone
voice(orpart)alone,theninothers,with
imitationandcharacteristicdevelopmentasthe
pieceprogresses.
Funebre[It.]:Funeral;statelyandploddingtempo
Fuoco[It.]:Fire.
Fuoco[It.]:Fire.
Fuocoso[It.]:Fiery.
Furia[It.]:Fury.
Furioso[It.]:Furious.
Fz[It.]:Abbreviationforforzandoorforzato;
forcing,forced,stronglyaccented.
G.P.:AbbreviationforGeneralpause
Gai[Fr.]:Gay,lively;fast.
Gaiement[Fr.]:Gay,lively;fast.
Galop[Fr.]:Originallygaloppade;dancein2/4,
originatinginParis;imitatingthegaitofahorse.
Garbato[It.]:Polite,graceful,elegant.
Garbo[It.]:Polite,graceful,elegant.
Gaudioso[It.]:Joyfully.
Gebunden[Ger.]:Legato,smooth.
Gedmpft[Ger.]:Softened,dampened,muted.
Gedehnt[Ger.]:Stretched,prolonged;slow.
Gefllig[Ger.]:Pleasing,pleasant.
Gefhlvoll[Ger.]:Sensitive,sentimental.
Gegen[Ger.]:Against,contraryto.
Gehalten[Ger.]:Sustained.

Gehaucht[Ger.]:Whispered.
Geheimnisvoll[Ger.]:Mysterious.
Gehend[Ger.]:Mediumtempo.
Geistlich[Ger.]:Sacred.
Gekoppelt[Ger.]:Coupled.
Gelassen[Ger.]:Calm,tranquil.
Gemchlich[Ger.]:Leisurely,comfortably;slow.
Gemssigt[Ger.]:Moderate.
Gemendo[It.]:Moaning,lamenting.
Gemessen[Ger.]:Measured.
Genau[Ger.]:Exact,precise.
Generalpause[Ger.]:(G.P.)Generalpause,arestfor
allmusicians,usuallyunexpected.
Gentile[It.]:Gentle,gently.
Gesang[Ger.]:Song;singingly.
Geschwind[Ger.]:Fast,quickly.
Gesteigert[Ger.]:Increased,asinloudness.
Gestopft[Ger.]:Plugged,stopped.
Geteilt[Ger.]:Divided.
Getragen[Ger.]:Sustained,slow,solemn.
Getragen[Ger.]:Sustained,slow,solemn.
Gewandt[Ger.]:Agile,quick.
Gewandt[Ger.]:Agile.
Gewhnlich[Ger.]:Usual;returntoprevious
playingstyle.
Giga[It.]:Dance,oftenin12/8time,originatingin
IrelandandEngland.
Giga[Sp.]:Dance,oftenin12/8time,originatingin
IrelandandEngland.
Gigue[Fr.]:(Jig)Dance,oftenin12/8time,
originatinginIrelandandEngland.
Giocoso[It.]:Joyous,merry.
Giustamente[It.]:Just,precise.
Giusto[It.]:Just,precise.
Glnz[Ger.]:Shine,brightness,brilliant.
Glnzend[Ger.]:Shine,brightness,brilliant.
Gleichmssig[Ger.]:Uniform,even,equal.
Gliss.:Abbreviationforglissandoorglisser;a
continuousslidingmovementfromonepitchto
another.
Glissando[It.]:(gliss.)Slide;acontinuoussliding
movementfromonepitchtoanother.
Glisser[Fr.]:(gliss.)Slide;acontinuoussliding
movementfromonepitchtoanother.
Goioso[It.]:Joyous,merry.
Gracieux[Fr.]:Graceful.
Gracile[It.]:Wispy,delicate,delicately.
Gradatamente[It.]:Gradually,littlebylittle.
Gradito[It.]:Pleasing,pleasant.
Gran[It.]:Grand,great.
Grandezza[It.]:Greatness,magnitude.

GlossaryofMusicalTerms

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Grandioso[It.]:Grandiose,magnificent.
Grave[It.]:Graveorsolemn;slow.
Grazioso[It.]:Gracious,graceful.
Grottesco[It.]:Grotesque;grotesquely.
Gusto[It.]:Taste;tasteful,agreeable.
Gustoso[It.]:Taste;tasteful,agreeable.
Hardi[Fr.]:Bold,audacious.
Hastig[Ger.]:Hasty,hurried.
Heftig[Ger.]:Violent,impetuous.
Heiter[Ger.]:Merry,cheerful.
Hemiola[En.]:Theimpositionofarhythmical
patternorarticulationwhichimpliesatime
signatureotherthanthatwhichiswritten.
Hervorgehoben[Ger.]:Emphasized,prominent.
Hervortretrend[Ger.]:Forward,emphasized,
prominent.
Herzlich[Ger.]:Sincere,heartfelt,affected.
Hinsterbend[Ger.]:Dyingaway.
Hchst[Ger.]:Highly.
Homophony[Lat.]:Literally,samesound;musical
texturewithaclearmelodiclineaccompanied
bychords(comparewithPolyphony).
Hornpipe[En.]:Dance,oftenin3/2time,originating
inEnglandandScotland.
Hurtig[Ger.]:Nible,nimbly,agile.
Iermouvt[Fr.]:Returntooriginaltempoaftersome
deviationfromit.
Immer[Ger.]:Always.
Imperioso[It.]:Imperious.
Impetuoso[It.]:Impetuous,impulsive.
Improvvisato[It.]:Improvised,orasifimprovised.
Imrpovvisando[It.]:Withimprovisation.
Inaltissimo[It.]:Inthehighest;inpractice,playor
singanoctavehigher.
Inmoddi[It.]:Inthefashionof,inthestyleof.
Incalzando[It.]:Persisting,pressingon.
Incisif[Fr.]:Incisive,sharp,biting.
Innig[Ger.]:Ardent,heartfelt,fervent.
Insieme[It.]:Together.
Insistendo[It.]:Insistently,deliberately.
Intimo[It.]:Intimately.
Intonation[En.]:Inmusic,thedegreeofprecisionof
pitch.
Irato[It.]:Irate,angrily.
ISMN:AbbreviationforInternationalStandard
MusicNumber.
Jagdhorn[Ger.]:Huntinghorn.
Jig[En.]:Dance,oftenin12/8time,originatingin
IrelandandEngland.
Joli[Fr.]:Pretty,lovely,handsome.
Jouer[Fr.]:Playaround.

Jusqu[Fr.]:Allthewayto,until,upto.
K.[Ger.]:AbbreviationforKchelVerzeichnis;
catalogofW.A.Mozartsworks,aspreparedby
LudwigvonKchel.
K.V.[Ger.]:AbbreviationforKchelVerzeichnis;
catalogofW.A.Mozartsworks,aspreparedby
LudwigvonKchel.
Kammer[Ger.]:Chamber(Kammermusik:chamber
music)
Kirche[Ger.]:Church(Kirchenmusik:church
music).
Klagelied[Ger.]:Complaintsong;lament,elegy.
Klagend[Ger.]:Complaining.
Klglich[Ger.]:Pitiful.
Klang[Ger.]:Sound,sonority.
Klanglich[Ger.]:Sonorous.
Klar[Ger.]:Clear,distinct.
Klein[Ger.]:Small,little.
Klingen[Ger.]:Sound.
KchelVerzeichnis[Ger.]:CatalogofW.A.
Mozartsworks,aspreparedbyLudwigvon
Kchel.
Konzert[Ger.]:Concert;concerto.
Kornett[Ger.]:Cornet.
Kornett[Ger.]:Cornet.
Kraft[Ger.]:Power.
Krftig[Ger.]:Strong.
La[Fr.]:The.
Lacrimoso[It.]:Tearfully,maudlin.
Laisser[Fr.]:Let,allow.
Lamentabile[It.]:Lamenting,whiny,wailing.
Lamentando[It.]:Lamenting,whiny,wailing.
Lamentoso[It.]:Lamenting,whiny,wailing.
Lancio[It.]:Launch,spring.
Langsam[Ger.]:Slow.
Langsamer[Ger.]:Slow.
Larga[Lat.]:In.
Largamente[It.]:Wide,broad;slow.
Largando[It.]:Broadening,becomingslower;
sometimesaccompaniedwithincreasedvolume.
Large[Fr.]:Wide,broad;slow.
Larghetto[It.]:LessslowthanLargo.
Larghissimo[It.]:Veryslow;slowerthanLargo.
Largo[It.]:Wide,broad;slow.
Lassen[Ger.]:Let.
Laut[Ger.]:Loud;loudly.
Lautre[Fr.]:Theother.
Le[Fr.]:The,the.
LePomedelextase[Fr.]:ThePoemofExtasy
(SymphonyNo.4);majororchestralworkby
AlexanderScriabin.

GlossaryofMusicalTerms

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LeSacreduPrintemps[Fr.]:TheRiteofSpring;
majororchestralworkbyIgorStravinsky.
Lebendig[Ger.]:Living,lively.
Lebhaft[Ger.]:Lively,brisk.
Legato[It.]:Fastened,bound,tied;playedsmoothly
withoutseparation.
Lgr[Fr.]:Light,lightly.
Lgr[Fr.]:Light,lightly.
Lgrement[Fr.]:Light,lightly.
Leggermente[It.]:Light,lightly.
Leggero[It.]:Light,lightly.
Leggiadramente[It.]:Graceful.
Leggiadro[It.]:Graceful.
Leggiero[It.]:Light,lightly.
Leicht[Ger.]:Easy,easily.
Leidenschaftlich[Ger.]:Passionate.
Leise[Ger.]:Soft.
Leitmotif[Ger.]:Leadingmotive;arecurring
musicalfragment,oftenassociatedwith
Wagnersoperaticworks.
Leitmotiv[Ger.]:Leadingmotive;arecurring
musicalfragment,oftenassociatedwith
Wagnersoperaticworks.
Lent[Fr.]:Slow.
Lentamente[Fr.]:Slow.
Lentamente[It.]:Slow.
Lentement[Fr.]:Slow.
Lenteur[Fr.]:Tardiness,slowness.
Lentissimo[It.]:Extremelyslow.
Lento[It.]:Slow.
Les[Fr.]:The,them.
Lhistoiredusoldat[Fr.]:SoldiersTale;major
chamberworkbyIgorStravinsky.
Libero[Fr.]:Freely.
Libitum[Lat.]:Whim.
Libre[Fr.]:Freely.
Librement[Fr.]:Freely.
Li[Fr.]:Fastened,bound,tied;playedsmoothly
withoutseparation.
Lietamente[It.]:Happy,joyful,pleased.
Lieto[It.]:Happy,joyful,pleased.
Lieve[It.]:Light,gentle,delicate.
Lievemente[It.]:Light,gentle,delicate.
Liscio[It.]:Smooth,plain.
Listesso[It.]:Thesame;appliedtotempo,
articulation,etc.
Listessotempo[It.]:Thesametempo.
Lostesso[It.]:Thesame;appliedtotempo,
articulation,etc.

Loco[It.]:Inplace;inpractive,areturntooriginal
octaveafterpreviouslybeinginstructedtoplay
anoctavehigherorlower.
Lointain[Fr.]:Remote,faroff,distant.
LOiseaudefeu[Fr.]:TheFirebird;majorballetby
IgorStravinsky.
Long[Fr.]:Long.
Lontano[It.]:Distant.
Lourd[Fr.]:Heavy.
Luftpause[Ger.]:Breathing;apause,lift.
Lugubre[Fr.,It.]:Lugubrious;gloomy,mournful.
Luminoso[It.]:Luminous,luminously.
Lunga[It.]:Long.
Lungo[It.]:Long.
Lusingando[It.]:Flatter,compliment.
Lustig[Ger.]:Merry,joyous.
Luttuosamente[It.]:Mournful.
Luttuoso[It.]:Mournful.
M.M.:AbbreviationforMaelzelsMetronome;
indicatesbeatsperminute.
Ma[It.]:But.
Manontroppo[It.]:Butnottoomuch.
Maestoso[It.]:Majestic.
Maggiore[It.]:Majormode.
Magico[It.]:Magically.
Magnifico[It.]:Magnificent.
Mais[Fr.]:But.
Majeur[Fr.]:Majormode.
Malinconico[It.]:Sad,melancholic.
Mancando[It.]:Dyingorfadingaway.
Marcatissimo[It.]:Heavilymarked,stressed,
emphasized.
Marcato[It.]:(Marc.)Marked,stressed,emphasized.
Marcha[Sp.]:March.
Marche[Fr.]:March.
Marcia[It.]:March.
Markiert[Ger.]:Marked,stressed,emphasized.
Markig[Ger.]:Vigorous.
Marqu[Fr.]:Marked,stressed,emphasized.
Marsch[Ger.]:March.
Martlement[Fr.]:Hammering.
Martellato[It.]:Hammered.
Marziale[It.]:March.
Mssig[Ger.]:Moderateormoderately(also,
mig).
Mazurka[Pol.]:Dance,oftenin3/4or3/2time,
characterizedbystrongaccentsonweakbeats,
originatinginPoland.
Medesimo[It.]:Same.
Mehr[Ger.]:More.
Melancolico[It.]:Melancholic,sad.

GlossaryofMusicalTerms

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Meno[It.]:Less.
Messe[Fr.]:Mass.
Messe[Ger.]:Mass.
Mesto[It.]:Mournful.
Mesure[Fr.]:Measure,cadence,rhythm.
Mesur[Fr.]:Measured.
Mettere[Fr.]:Putorplace.
Mettez[Fr.]:Putorplace.
Mettre[Fr.]:Putorplace.
Mezza[It.]:Half,medium,middle.
Mezzo[It.]:Half,medium,middle.
Mezzoforte[It.]:(mf)Mediumloud.
Mezzopiano[It.]:(mp)Mediumsoft.
Mezzosoprano[It.]:Mediumsoprano;Voicepart
belowSopranoandaboveAlto.
Mf[It.]:Abbreviationformezzoforte;medium
loud.
Militaire[Fr.]:Military,militarisitic.
Militare[It.]:Military,militarisitic.
Minacciosamente[It.]:Threatening,ominous.
Minaccioso[It.]:Threatening,ominous.
Mineur[Fr.]:Minormode.
Minore[It.]:Minormode.
Mise[Fr.]:Laid,set,placed.
Missa[Lat.]:Mass.
Misterioso[It.]:Mysterious.
Misura[It.]:Meter,measure,beat.
Mit[Ger.]:With.
Mitte[Ger.]:Middle.
Mobile[It.]:Flexible,changeable.
Moderato[It.]:Moderatetempo.
Modr[It.]:Moderatetempo.
Modesto[It.]:Modest,modestly,unassuming.
Modo[It.]:Manner.
Mglich[Ger.]:Possible.
Moins[Fr.]:Less.
Moll[Ger.]:Minor.
Molto[It.]:Very,much.
Morceau[Fr.]:Piece,composition.
Morendo[It.]:Dyingorfadingawayindynamics
andpossibleintempo.
Mormorando[It.]:Murmeringorwhispering.
Mosso[It.]:Moved,agitated.
Moto[It.]:Movement,motion.
Mouvement[Fr.]:Movement,tempo,motion.
Movimento[It.]:Movement,tempo,motion.
Mp[It.]:Abbreviationformezzopiano;medium
soft.
Munter[Ger.]:Lively,brisk.
Musette[Fr.]:Dance,characterizedbyadroning
bass,originatinginFrance.

Musica[Lat.]:Music.
Musik[Ger.]:Music.
Muta[It.]:Change(asinchangeoftuningorchange
ofinstrument).
Mutano[It.]:Change(asinchangeoftuningor
changeofinstrument).
Mutare[It.]:Change(asinchangeoftuningor
changeofinstrument).
Nachdrcklich[Ger.]:Emphatic,energetic.
Nachlassend[Ger.]:Diminishing;alsorefersto
slackeningoftempo.
Narrante[It.]:Narratingly.
Natural[En.]:Asymbolwhichcancelstheeffectofa
sharporaflat.
Naturale[Fr.]:Discontinueaspecialeffect.
Naturtrompete[Ger.]:Naturaltrumpet.
Nehmen[Ger.]:Take(asintakeuporpreparea
differentinstrumentormute).
Nicht[Ger.]:Not.
Niente[Ger.]:Nothing;diminuendotonothing.
Nimmt[Ger.]:Take(asintakeuporpreparea
differentinstrumentormute).
Nobile[It.]:Noble,nobly.
Nobilmente[It.]:Noble,nobly.
Nocturne[Fr.]:Night;amusicalpiecewrittenforthe
night.
Non[It.]:Not.
Nonet[En.]:Ensembleofnineplayers.
Noneto[Sp.]:(Nonet)Ensembleofnineplayers.
Nonett[Ger.]:(Nonet)Ensembleofnineplayers.
Nonette[Fr.]:(Nonet)Ensembleofnineplayers.
Nonetto[It.]:(Nonet)Ensembleofnineplayers.
Notturno[It.]:Nocturnal,ofthenight.
Nourri[Fr.]:Fed,nourished.
Obbligato[It.]:Obligatory;referstoanimportant
accompanyingpartwhichisnottobeomitted.
Obligat[Ger.]:Obligatory;referstoanimportant
accompanyingpartwhichisnottobeomitted.
Obra[Sp.]:Work.
Octet[En.]:Ensembleofeightplayers.
Octeto[Sp.]:(Octet)Ensembleofeightplayers.
Octette[Fr.]:(Octet)Ensembleofeightplayers.
Octuor[Fr.]:(Octet)Ensembleofeightplayers.
Oeuvre[Fr.]:Work;usedtochronologicallycatalog
acomposersworks.
Oficleide[It.]:Analtoorbassbrassinstrument;the
bassophicleideroughlyequatestoatuba,and
itspartsare,intodaysworld,playedonthe
tuba.
Ohne[Ger.]:Without.
Oktett[Ger.]:(Octet)Ensembleofeightplayers.

GlossaryofMusicalTerms

page10

Omaggio[It.]:Homage,celebration.
Op.[Lat.]:Abbreviationforopus;work;usedto
chronologicallycatalogacomposersworks.
Ophicleide[Fr.]:Analtoorbassbrassinstrument;
thebassophicleideroughlyequatestoatuba,
anditspartsare,intodaysworld,playedonthe
tuba.
Ophikleide[Ger.]:Analtoorbassbrassinstrument;
thebassophicleideroughlyequatestoatuba,
anditspartsare,intodaysworld,playedonthe
tuba.
Oppure[It.]:Or;usedtoindicateanalternative
(usuallyeasier)versionofapassage.
Opus[Lat.]:(op.)Work;usedtochronologically
catalogacomposersworks.
Ordinaire[Fr.]:Ordinary,normal.
Ordinario[It.]:Ordinary,normal.
Ossia[It.]:Or;usedtoindicateanalternative
(usuallyeasier)versionofapassage.
Ostinato[It.]:Obstinate;amusicalpatternplayed
repeatedly.
ter[Fr.]:Toremove(amute).
Otetto[It.]:(Octet)Ensembleofeightplayers.
tez[Fr.]:Toremove(amute).
Ottava[It.]:Octave.
Ottoni[It.]:Brass(stromentidottoni:brass
instruments).
Ou[Fr.]:Or.
Ouvert[Fr.]:Open.
P[It.]:Abbreviationforpiano;soft.
Pacato[It.]:Placid,sedate.
Padiglione[It.]:Bellofawindinstrument(asin
padiglioneinalto:bellheldhigh).
Parlando[It.]:Asifspoken,enunciated.
Parlante[It.]:Asifspoken,enunciated.
Partitur[Ger.]:Fullorchestralscore.
Passionato[It.]:Passionate,passionately.
Pastorale[It.]:Inapastoralstyle;peaceful,simple.
Patetico[It.]:Pitiable,pathetic.
Pathetique[Fr.]:Pitiable,pathetic.
Pathetisch[Ger.]:Pitiable,pathetic.
Pauroso[It.]:Cowardly,timid,fearful.
Pausa[It.]:Pause,rest.
Pavillon[Fr.]:Bellofawindinstrument(asin
pavillonenlair:bellintheair).
Penseroso[It.]:Pensively;thoughtfully,
meditatively.
Perdendosi[It.]:Dyingorfadingaway,intermsof
dynamicsandsometimestempo.
Perpetuo[It.]:Perpetual,unending.
Pesante[It.]:Weighty,emphasized.

Petit[Fr.]:Little.
Peu[Fr.]:Littleinamount.
Peupeu[Fr.]:Alittle.
Pezzo[It.]:Piece,composition.
Piacere,a[It.]:Attheperfomerspleasure.
Piacevole[It.]:Pleasing,pleasant,charming.
Piangendo[It.]:Crying,weeping,plaintive.
Piangevole[It.]:Crying,weeping,plaintive.
Pianissimo[It.]:(pp)Verysoft.
Piano[It.]:(p)Soft.
Pieno[It.]:Full.
Pieza[Sp.]:Piece,composition.
PinadiRoma[It.]:ThePinesofRome;major
orchestralworkbyOttorinoRespighi(the
secondofhissocalledRomanTrilogy).
Pitchnames[En.]:SeeAppendixA.
Pi[It.]:More.
Piutosto[It.]:Rather.
Placido[It.]:Placid,tranquil,sedate.
Plainte[Fr.]:Lamenting,whiny,wailing.
Planctus[Lat.]:Lamenting,whiny,wailing.
Pltzlich[Ger.]:Suddenly.
Plus[Fr.]:More.
Pochettino[It.]:(Poch.)Verylittleinamount.
Pochissimo[It.]:(pochiss.)Exremelylittle.
Poco[It.]:Littleinamount.
Pocoapoco[It.]:LittlebyLittle.
Poi[It.]:Then,next.
Pointdorgue[Fr.]:Fermata;cadenzaindicatedbya
fermata.
Polacca[It.]:Polonaise;inaPolishstyle;afestive
processional.
Polonaise[Fr.]:InaPolishstyle;afestive
processional.
Polyphony[Lat.]:Literally,manysounds;musical
texturewithmultiplemelodiclinesperforming
simultaneously.
Pomposo[It.]:Pompous.
Portamento[It.]:Acontinuousmovementfromone
pitchtoanotherthroughoutalltheintervening
pitches,withoutsoundinganydiscreetpitches.
Portato[It.]:Carried;articulationlongerthan
staccatobutshorterthanlegato.
Pos.[Ger.]:Abbreviationforposuane;trombone.
Posato[It.]:Reposed;rested,settled.
Possible[Fr.]:Possible,feasible,likely,conceivable.
Posthorn[Ger.]:Smallborebugleusedfor
signaling.
Posuane[Ger.]:(pos.)Trombone.
Pour[Fr.]:For.
Pp[It.]:Abbreviationforpianissimo;verysoft.

GlossaryofMusicalTerms

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Prcdente[Fr.]:Precedinig,previousto.
Precipitato[It.]:Plunge,hurry,rush.
Prenda[It.]:Take,get.
Prendere[It.]:Take(asintakeuporpreparea
differentinstrumentormute).
Prendre[Fr.]:Take(asintakeuporpreparea
differentinstrumentormute).
Pressant[Fr.]:Pressing,quickening.
Pressant[Fr.]:Pressing,quickening;urgent.
Pressante[It.]:Pressing,quickening.
Prestissimo[It.]:Asfastaspossible.
Presto[It.]:Veryfast.
Primavolta[It.]:Firsttime;firstending.
Primo[It.]:First.
Principale[It.]:LowrangeoftheBaroque(natural)
trumpet(thehighrangeiscalledtheclarino).
Progessivement[Fr.]:Progessively,gradually,step
bystep.
Prontamente[It:Quick.
Pronto[It.]:Quick.
Quartet[En.]:Ensembleoffourplayers.
Quartett[Ger.]:(Quartet)Ensembleoffourplayers.
Quartetto[It.]:(Quartet)Ensembleoffourplayers.
Quasi[It.]:Almost,moreorless.
Quatuor[Fr.]:(Quartet)Ensembleoffourplayers.
Quintet[En.]:Ensembleoffiveplayers.
Quinteto[Sp.]:(Quintet)Ensembleoffiveplayers.
Quintette[Fr.]:(Quintet)Ensembleoffiveplayers.
Quintette[Ger.]:(Quintet)Ensembleoffiveplayers.
Quintetto[It.]:(Quintet)Ensembleoffiveplayers.
Quintuor[Fr.]:(Quintet)Ensembleoffiveplayers.
R.:Abbreviationforripieno,rcitativeor
ritardando.
Rabbia[It.]:Anger,rage,fury.
Raddolcendo[It.]:Becomingsofter,sweeter.
Raffrenando[It.]:Slowingdown.
Ralentir[Fr.]:Slowdown.
Rallentando[It.]:(rall.)Slowingdown.
Rapido[It.]:Rapidly,fast.
Rasch[Ger.]:Quick.
Rattenando[It.]:Heldback.
Rattenuto[It.]:Heldback.
Ravvivando[It.]:Quickening,brightening.
Recueilli[Fr.]:Contemplative.
Rel[Fr.]:Real,actual.
Religioso[It.]:Religiously.
Remettez[Fr.]:Remove.
Remettre[Fr.]:Remove.
Renforcer[Fr.]:Reinforce,strengthen.
Repente[It.]:Suddenly.
Reposato[It.]:Rest,withrepose.

Reprenez[Fr.]:Takeback,recapture.
Restez[Fr.]:Stay;inpractice,toremainonanote.
Restringendo[It.]:Pressingforward.
Retard[En.]:Slowingdowngradually.
Retenant[Fr.]:Heldback.
Retenu[Fr.]:Heldback.
Rf.,rfz.[It.]:Abbreviationforrinforzando;
becominglouderquickly(moresothaninthe
caseofacrescendo).
Rhythm[Fr.]:Cadence,rhythm.
Ridicolosamente[It.]:Ridiculously;humorously,
innacurateandloose.
Rigore[It.]:Rigorous,strict,precise.
Rigoroso[It.]:Rigorous,strict,precise.
Rilasciando[It.]:Free,release;slowingdown.
Rinf.[It.]:Abbreviationforrinforzando;becoming
louderquickly(moresothaninthecaseofa
crescendo).
Rinforzando[It.]:(rf.,rfz.,rinf.)Becominglouder
quickly(moresothaninthecaseofacrescendo).
Ripiano[Fr.]:(Ripeno,RepienoRip.orRep.)Also,
repianoorripieno;tuttipart;specificcornetpart
inabrassband.
Riprendere[It.]:Toresume,continue(asinoriginal
tempo).
Risoluto[It.]:Resolute,resolved,unwavering.
Ritard.,rit.[It.]:AbbreviationforRitardando.
Ritardando[It.]:(ritard.,rit.)Slowingdown
gradually.
Riten.,rit.[It.]:AbbreviationforRitenuto.
Ritenuto[It.]:Heldback;generallymoresudden
thaninthecaseofaritardandoorrallentando.
Ritmato[It.]:Rhythmic.
Ritmico[It.]:Rhythmic.
Ritmo[It.]:Rhythm.
Romanza[It.]:Ballad,generallylesselaboratethan
anaria.
Romanze[Ger.]:Ballad,generallylesselaborate
thananaria.
Rondeau[Fr.]:Musicalformwithmultiplesections,
usuallyreturningtoarecurringrefrain;
typically,theformisABACAorABACABA.
Rondo[It.]:Musicalformwithmultiplesections,
usuallyreturningtoarecurringrefrain;
typically,theformisABACAorABACABA.
Rubato[It.]:Steal;asinstealtime;speedingupand
slowingdownforexpressivepurposes.
Ruhig[Ger.]:Quiet,calm,tranquil.
Ruvido[It.]:Rough,course.
Sackbut[Ger.]:Earlytrombone.
Sanft[Ger.]:Soft.

GlossaryofMusicalTerms

page12

Sans[Fr.]:Without.
Scatenato[It.]:Unchained,crazy,wildly.
Schall[Ger.]:Sound.
Schalltrichter[Ger.]:Bellofawindinstrument(asin
schalltrichterauf:bellup).
Scherzando[It.]:Playful.
Scherzevole[It.]:Playful,jokingly.
Scherzhaft[It.]:Playful.
Scherzo[It.]:Playful,jokingly;aplayfulorjoking
musicalform.
Scherzoso[It.]:Playful.
Schiettamente[It.]:Straightforward,honest,
unsophisticated.
Schietto[It.]:Straightforward,honest,
unsophisticated.
Schleppen[Ger.]:Todrag.
Schlummerlied[Ger.]:Slumbersong.
Schluss[Ger.]:Conclusion.
Schlssel[Ger.]:Clef;seeAppendixB.
Schmachtend[Ger.]:Languishing.
Schmeichelnd[Ger.]:Flatter,compliment.
Schmerzlich[Ger.]:Painful,sad.
Schmetternd[Ger.]:Blaring,brassy;usuallyin
referencetothehornsection.
Schnell[Ger.]:Fast.
Schneller[Ger.]:Faster.
Schrittmssig[Ger.]:Measured;moderatelyslow
tempo.
Schtteln[Ger.]:Toshake.
Schwach[Ger.]:Weak,soft.
Schwcher[Ger.]:Weaker,softer.
Schweigen[Ger.]:Tobesilent.
Schwer[Ger.]:Heavy,ponderous.
Schwindend[Ger.]:Dyingorfadingaway.
Schwungvoll[Ger.]:Spirited,energetic.
Sciolto[It.]:Freeandeasy,unconstrained.
Scorrendo[It.]:Flowing.
Scorrevole[It.]:Flowing.
Sec[Fr.]:Dry,short.
Secco[It.]:Dry,short.
Secondavolta[It.]:Secondtime,secondending.
Secondo[It.]:Second.
Seelenvoll[Ger.]:Soulful.
Segno[It.]:Sign,mark.
Segue[It.]:Follows;indicatesthatthenextsectionof
apieceshouldfollowimmediately.
Sehnsucht[Ger.]:Longing.
Sehr[Ger.]:Very.
Semplice[It.]:Simple,plain.
Semplicit[It.]:Simplicity,ease,informality.
Sempre[It.]:Always.

Sensible[Fr.]:Sensitive;sensitively.
Sentimento[It.]:Feeling.
Sentito[It.]:Felt.
Senza[It.]:Without.
Sparez[Fr.]:Separated.
Septet[En.]:Ensembleofsevenplayers.
Septeto[Sp.]:(Septet)Ensembleofsevenplayers.
Septett[Ger.]:(Septet)Ensembleofsevenplayers.
Septetto[It.]:(Septet)Ensembleofsevenplayers.
Septuor[Fr.]:(Septet)Ensembleofsevenplayers.
Serioso[It.]:Serious.
Serrant[It.]:Becomingfaster.
Sestetto[It.]:(Sextet)Ensembleofsixplayers.
Seul[Fr.]:Alone;apassageorentirepiecetobe
playedbyoneplayeronly.
Seule[Fr.]:Onlyjust,solely,notmorethan.
Seulement[Fr.]:Onlyjust,solely,notmorethan.
Sextet[En.]:Ensembleofsixplayers.
Sexteto[Sp.]:(Sextet)Ensembleofsixplayers.
Sextette[Fr.]:(Sextet)Ensembleofsixplayers.
Sextette[Ger.]:(Sextet)Ensembleofsixplayers.
Sextuor[Fr.]:(Sextet)Ensembleofsixplayers.
Sf.[It.]:Abbreviationforsforzandoorsforzato;
forcing,forced,accented,loud.
Sfogato[It.]:Giveventto,expresswithoutrestraint.
Sforzando[It.]:(sf)Forcing,forced,accented,loud.
Sforzandopiano[It.]:(sfp)Loudattackfollowed
directlybysoft.
Sforzato[It.]:(sfp)Forcing,forced,accented,loud.
Sfp.[It.]:Abbreviationforsforzandopiano;loud
attackfolloweddirectlybysoft.
Sfz[It.]:Abbreviationforsforzandoorsofrzato;
forcing,forced,accented,loud.
Sharp[En.]:Asymbolthatraisesthepitchbyahalf
step;alsoreferstodescribetheintonationofa
performerorgroupofperformerswhenthe
soundistoohighbysomedegree.
Siciliana[It.]:ASiciliandancein12/8or6/8meter
withaslow,gracefulmelody.
Silence[Fr.]:Rest,quiet,hush.
Silenzio[It.]:Rest,quiet,hush.
Simile[It.]:Inasimilarfashion.
Simili[It.]:Inasimilarfashion.
Sin[It.]:Since.
SinalFine[It.]:Upuntiltheend.
SinalSegno[It.]:Upuntilthesignormark.
Singend[Ger.]:Singing.
Singhiozzando[It.]:Hiccup.
Slancio[It.]:Momentum,impetus.
Slargando[It.]:Broadening,becomingslower;
sometimesaccompaniedwithincreasedvolume.

GlossaryofMusicalTerms

page13

Slentando[It.]:Slowingdown.
Sminuendo[It.]:Decreasinginvolume.
Smorzando[It.]:(smorz.)Dyingorfadingaway,in
dynamicandusuallytempoaswell.
Snello[It.]:Slender,agile,graceful.
So[Ger.]:So.
Soave[It.]:Gentle,sweet,soft.
Sofort[Ger.]:Immediately;asinproceedtothe
followingmovementwithoutpause.
Sognando[It.]:Dreamy.
Solenne[It.]:Solemn,stately.
Solennel[Fr.]:Grave,solemn.
Soli[It.]:Withinanensemble,thisreferstopassage
tobeplayedbyasmallgrouporsection.
Solo[It.]:Alone;apassageorentirepiecetobe
playedbyoneplayeronly.
Son[Fr.]:Sound.
Sonata[It.]:Amusicalworkforsoloinstrument(s)
inthreeormoremovements.
Sonate[Ger.]:Sonata;amusicalworkforsolo
instrument(s)inthreeormoremovements..
Sonatina[It.]:Alittlesonata.
Sonatine[Sp.]:Alittlesonata.
Sonnerie[Fr.]:Ringing;asignalplayedbybells(or
sometimestrumpets).
Sonoramente[It.]:Sonorous.
Sonore[It.]:Sonorous.
Sonoro[It.]:Sonorous.
Sopra[It.]:Above,onover.
Soprano[It.]:Thehighestofthefourstandardvoice
ranges(soprano,alto,tenor,bass).
Sordina[Sp.]:Mute.
Sordine[It.]:Mute.
Sordino[It.]:Mute.
Sospirando[It.]:Sighing,heaveasigh.
Sostenendo[It.]:Sustained,sustaining.
Sostenuto[It.]:Sustained,sustaining.
Sotto[It:Under,below.
Sottovoce[It.]:Undertone,subdued.
Soupirant[Fr.]:Sighing,heaveasigh.
Sourd[Fr.]:Low,muffled,muted.
Sourd.[Fr.]:Abbreviationforsourdine;mute.
Sourdine[Fr.]:Mute.
Sourdine[It.]:Mute.
SourdineBol[Fr.]:Cupmute.
Soutenu[Fr.]:Sustained,sustaining.
Spasshafte[Ger.]:Funny.
Sperdendosi[It.]:Dyingorfadingaway.
Spiccato[It.]:Jump;distinct,separatedarticulation.
Spienato[It.]:Level,smooth,even.
Spirando[It.]:Expiring,dyingaway.

Spirito[It.]:Spirit.
Spiritoso[It.]:Spirit.
Spumante[It.]:Sparkling.
Squillante[It.]:Shrill,resonantly.
Staccatissimo[It.]:Veryseparated,verydetached.
Staccato[It.]:(stacc.)Separated,detached.
Stark[Ger.]:Strong,loud.
Strker[Ger.]:Stronger,louder.
Steigern[Ger.]:Increase,intensify,asinloudness.
Stendando[It.]:Slowing,stretching.
Stentando[It.]:Halting.
Stentato[It.]:Halting.
Sterben[Ger.]:Dyingorfadingaway.
Steso[It.]:Lyingdown;referstoslowtempo.
Stesso[It.]:Same.
Stil[Ger.]:Style.
Stile[It.]:Style.
Stimme[Ger.]:Part.
Stimmen[Ger.]:Pluralofstimme;parts.
Stimmung[Ger.]:Mood
Stinguendo[It.]:Dyingorfadingaway.
Straff[Ger.]:Tight,rigid,strict.
Straziante[It.]:Heartbreaking,agonizing.
Streng[Ger.]:Severe,strict.
Strepitoso[It.]:Resounding,noisy.
Stretto[It.]:Tight,narrow;fasterorhasteningahead;
apassageinafugueinwhichthecontrapuntal
figurescloselyoverlapooneanotherindifferent
voices.
Stringendo[It.]:Pressingforward.
Strisciando[It.]:Slide;acontinuoussliding
movementfromonepitchtoanother.
Stromentidottoni[It.]:Brassinstruments.
Stck[Ger.]:Piece,composition.
Strze[Ger.]:Bellofawindinstrument(asinstrze
hoch:bellhigh).
Style[Fr.]:Style.
Subito[It.]:Immediately,suddenly.
Sul[It.]:Onthe,overthe.
Sur[Fr.]:On.
Sussurando[It.]:Whispering.
Svelto[It.]:Fleet,nimble.
Syncopation[En.]:Rhythmicdevicewhereby
normallynonemphasizedbeatsareaccentedin
someway.
Syncope[En.]:Anaccentednotewhichtakesplace
onanormallynonemphasizedbeat.
Tacet[Lat.]:Silent;donotplay.
Takt[Ger.]:Beat;meaure;meter.
Taktmssig[Ger.]:Instricttempo.
Taktmesser[Ger.]:Metronome.

GlossaryofMusicalTerms

page14

Taktstrich[Ger.]:Measureline.
Tanto[It.]:Somuch.
Tanz[Ger.]:Dance.
Tarantella[It.]:Dance,usuallyin6/8time,
originatinginsouthernItaly.
Tardamente[It.]:Dull;referstoaslowtempo.
Tardando[It.]:Increasinglydull;referstoaslowing
tempo.
Tardo[It.]:Dull;referstoaslowtempo.
Tema[It.]:Theme,subject,topic.
Tempestoso[It.]:Stormy,tempestuous.
Tempo[It.]:Time;thespeed/pulseofapieceof
music.
Tempodimarcia[It.]:Marchtempo.
Tempodivalse[It.]:Waltztempo.
Tempogiusto[It.]:Strict.precisetime.
TempoI[Fr.,Ger.,It.]:(alsoTempoI)Returnto
originaltempoaftersomedeviationfromit.
Tempoordinario[It.]:Commontime(4/4);
moderatetempo.
TempoPrimo[It.]:Returntooriginaltempoafter
somedeviationfromit.
Temporubato[It.]:Robbedtime;speedingupand
slowingdownforexpressivepurposes.
TempoUno[It.]:Returntooriginaltempoafter
somedeviationfromit.
Temps[Fr.]:Time.
Ten.[It.]:Abbreviationfortenuto;keep,hold,grip;
sustainwithoutdetachment.
Teneramente[It.]:Tenderly.
Tenerezza[It.]:Tenderness.
Tenor[It.]:Oneofthefourstandardvoiceranges,
belowAltoandaboveBass(soprano,alto,tenor,
bass).
Tenuto[It.]:Keep,hold,grip;sustainwithout
detachment.
Ternary[Lat.]:Consistingofthreeparts;inmusic,a
formconsistingofthreeparts:ABA.
Tessitura[It.]:Generallyusedtoidentifythemost
commonrangewithinapieceofmusic.
Thme[Fr.]:Theme,motive.
Thetic[Lat.]:Describesaphrasebeginnningonthe
downbeatofthefirstmeasure.
TillEulenspiegelslustigeStreiche[Ger.]:Till
EulenspiegelsMerryPranks;majororchestral
work(tonepoem)byRichardStrauss.
Timbre[Lat.]:Thequalityofamusicaltonethat
distinguishesvoices,instrumentsandindividual
performers.
Tirando[It.]:Pull,stretch,drag.

TodundVerklrung[Ger.]:Deathand
Transfiguration;majororcheatralwork(tone
poem)byRichardStrauss.
Tonfarbe[Ger.]:Tonecolor,timbre.
Tosto[It.]:Quickly,immediately.
Tpt.:Abbreviationfortrumpet.
Traner[Fr.]:Todrag.
Traner[Fr.]:Lounge,mope,dragalong.
Tranquillo[It.]:Quiet,peaceful.
Trascinando[It.]:Dragging.
Trascinare[It.]:Todrag.
Trattenuto[It.]:Drawnout,retained,heldback.
Tratto[It.]:Drawout.
Trauermarsch[Ger.]:Funeralmarch.
Trauermusik[Ger.]:Funeralmusic.
Trauernd[Ger.]:Mournful,lamenting.
Trumerisch[Ger.]:Dreamy.
Traurig[Ger.]:Sad.
Travailler[Fr.]:Work,workon,practice.
Treibend[Ger.]:Driving.
Trs[Fr.]:Very.
Tripletongue[En.]:Useoftwoconsonantsinfast
articulationoftripletsonbrassinstrumentsand
somewoodwinds;twopatternsmaybeused:
tahtahkah(mostcommon)andtahkahtah
(alsoknownasutilityorfanfaretongue).
Triste[It.]:Sad,dolorous.
Tromba[It.]:Trumpet.
Trombn[Sp.]:Trombone.
Trompeta[Sp.]:Trumpet.
Trompete[Ger.]:Trumpet.
Trompette[Fr.]:Trumpet.
Tronca[It.]:Cutoff.
Trop[Fr.]:Toomuch.
Trpt.:Abbreviationfortrumpet.
Tuba[Lat.]:InancientRome,along,straightnatural
trumpet,usedformilitarypurposes.
Tutti[It.]:All;allplayerstogether.
ber[Ger.]:Over,above,super.
bung[Ger.]:Study.
Un[It.]:One,a,an.
Unpeu[Fr.]:Alittle.
Unpoco[It.]:Alittle.
Unbetont[Ger.]:Unstressed,notaccented.
Une[Fr.]:One,a,an.
Ungebunden[Ger.]:Unbound,freely,unrestrained.
Ungeduldig[Ger.]:Impatient.
Ungestm[Ger.]:Impetuous,impulsive.
Ungezwungen[Ger.]:Unconstrained,freely.
Unheimlich[Ger.]:Uncanny,uneasy.
Unis.[En.]:Abbreviationforunison;samepitch.

GlossaryofMusicalTerms

page15

Unison[En.]:Samepitch.
Unisono[It.]:Samepitch.
Uniti[It.]:United,joined.
Unmerklich[Ger.]:Imperceptible.
Unruhig[Ger.]:Restless.
Unter[Ger.]:Below,under.
Urtext[Ger.]:Denotesatextpresumedtobeinthe
originalstate,withoutanyeditionsofanykind.
Utsupra[Lat.]:Asabove,asbefore.
Utilitytongue[En.]:(Fanfaretongue)Tripletongue
usingtahkahtahpattern;saidtoprovidemore
evenandpreciserhythm.
V.S.[It.]:Abbreviationforvoltisubito;turnquickly.
V.S.[It.]:AbbreviationforVoltisubito.
Valse[Fr.]:Waltz;dancein3/4time,originatingin
Vienna,Austria.
Valse[Sp.]:Dancein3/4time,originatinginVienna,
Austria.
Valzer[It.]:Dancein3/4time,originatinginVienna,
Austria.
Varnderungen[Ger.]:Variations.
Veloce[It.]:Quick,swift.
Velocemente[It.]:Quick,swift.
Velocissimo[It.]:Asquicklyaspossible.
Vent[Fr.]:Windinstrument.
Verhallend[Ger.]:Dyingorfadingaway.
Verlag[Ger.]:Publishinghouse.
Verlschend[Ger.]:Extinguishing,dyingaway.
Vermindert[Ger.]:Diminishes.
Verschwindend[Ger.]:Disappearing.
Verstrken[Ger.]:Reinforce,strengthen.
Via[It.]:Away.
Vibrant[Fr.]:Vibrating.
Vibrato[It.]:Pulsate,resonate;afluctuationinpitch
usedtoenlivenandenrichthesound.
Vif[Fr.]:Lively,brisk.
Vif[Fr.]:Lively,brisk.
Vingt[Fr.]:Twenty.
Virtuosit[Fr.]:Virtuosity.
Vite[Fr.]:Fast.
Vitement[Fr.]:Fast.
Vittorioso[It.]:Victoriously.
Vivace[It.]:Lively,brisk.
Vivacissimo[It.]:Verylivelyandbrisk.
Vivamente[It.]:Lively,brisk.
Vivement[Fr.]:Lively,brisk.
Vivo[It.]:Lively,brisk.
Voce[It.]:Voice,part.
Voil[Fr.]:Veiled.
Volante[It.]:Flying,gliding.
Voll[Ger.]:Fullof,filledwith.

Volont[Fr.]:Flying,gliding.
Volta[It.]:Time.
Volti[It.]:Page.
Voltisubito[It.]:Turnquickly.
Vorbereiten[Ger.]:Prepare.
Vorher[Ger.]:Previously.
Vorspiel[Ger.]:Prelude,overture.
Vortrag[Ger.]:Presentation,interpretation.
Vorwrts[Ger.]:Forward,continue.
Vorwrtsdrngend[Ger.]:Becomingfaster;faster.
Wachsend[Ger.]:Growing.
Waltz[En.]:Dancein3/4time,originatingin
Vienna,Austria.
Walzer[Ger.]:Dancein3/4time,originatingin
Vienna,Austria.
Wrme[Ger.]:Warm.
Wechsel[Ger.]:Change(asinchangeoftuningor
changeofinstrument).
Wehmtig[Ger.]:Melancholy.
Weich[Ger.]:Soft,delicate.
Weinachtsoratorium[Ger.]:ChristmasOratorio;
majorwork(oratorio)fororchestra,chorusand
soloistsbyJohannSebastianBach.
Wenig[Ger.]:Few,little.
Weniger[Ger.]:Fewer,less.
Wie[Ger.]:As,like.
Wolno[Pol.]:Loose,slowly.
Wuchtig[Ger.]:Mighty,vigorous.
Wrdig[Ger.]:Worthy,dignified.
Wtend[Ger.]:Furiously.
Zhlzeit[Ger.]:Beat;meaure;meter.
Zart[Ger.]:Tender,delicate,delicately.
Zartheit[Ger.]:Tenderness,delicateness.
Zrtlich[Ger.]:Tenderness,delicateness.
Zarckhalten[Ger.]:Slowingdown.
Zsur[Ger.]:Pause.
Zelo[It.]:Zeal,zealous,zealously.
Zelosamente[It.]:Zeal,zealous,zealously.
Zeloso[It.]:Zeal,zealous,zealously.
Ziehen[Ger.]:Drawnout,retained,heldback.
Ziemlich[Ger.]:Fairly,quite,rather.
Zitternd[Ger.]:Trembling,referstotremolos.
Zgern[Ger.]:Doubtful,hesitating.
Zu[Ger.]:Totoward.
Zuerst[Ger.]:First.
Zunge[Ger.]:Tongue.

GlossaryofMusicalTerms

PitchNames

AppendixA

BelowisatableshowingthepitchnamingsystemsinEnglish,French,German,ItalianandSpanish.Afterthat
areshowncodificationsinthoselanguagesforsharps,flats,doublesharps,doubleflatsandnaturals.

PitchNames

English

German

E**

A**

H*

French

ut

mi

fa

sol

la

si

Italian

do

re

mi

fa

sol

la

si

Spanish

do

re

mi

fa

sol

la

si

*IntheGermansystem,HcorrespondswithBnatural,whileBflatisshownasBs.
**IntheGermansystem,EflatisshownasEsandAflatisshownasAs.

SharpsandFlats
(usingCastheexample)

MusicNotation

English

Csharp

Cflat

German

Cis

Ces

French

utdise

utbmol

Italian

dodiesis

dobemolle

Spanish

dosostenido

dobemol

DoublesharpsandDoubleflats
(usingCastheexample)

MusicNotation

English

Cdoublesharp

Cdoubleflat

German

Cisis

Ceses

French

utdoubledise

utdoublebmol

Italian

dodoppiodiesis

dodoppiobemolle

Spanish

dodoblesostenido

dodoblebemol

Naturals

MusicNotation

English

natural

German

bcarre

French

auflsungszeichen/quadrat

Italian

bequadro

Spanish

becuadro

GlossaryofMusicalTerms

Clef

AppendixB

Clefsareplacedattheleftsideofamusicalstafftoestablishareferencepointfor
thepositionofaparticularpitch.Atleftarethefourprimaryclefs.TheGclef
showsthelocationoftheGastheonlystaffpositionwhichiscrossedthreetimes
(notethespiralfigureinthemiddle).TheCclefbracketsthepositionofMiddle
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 indefinitepitched purposes. To the
right are the five most commonlyseen 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.Theneutralclef,aspreviouslymentioned,usuallyisfound
onlyinpercussionparts.

Gclef
(middleCisindicatedineachexample)

(a)sopranotrebleclef;(b)Frenchviolinclef;(c)trebleclef(common);(d)tenortrebleclef(relativelycommon)

Cclef
(middleCisindicatedineachexample)

(a)sopranoclef,descantclef;(b)mezzosopranoclef;(c)altoclef(common);(d)tenorclef(common);(e)baritoneclef

Fclef
(middleCisindicatedineachexample)

(a)baritoneclef;(b)bassclef(common);(c)subbassclef;(d)contrabassclef