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Glossary of Musical Terminology

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Glossary of Musical Terminology
Glossary of musical terminology
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This is a list of musical terms that are likely to be encountered in printed scores, music reviews, and program notes. Most of the terms are Italian (see also Italian musical terms used in English), in accordance with the Italian origins of many European musical conventions. Sometimes, the special musical meanings of these phrases differ from the original or current Italian meanings. Most of the other terms are taken from French and German, indicated by "(Fr)" and "(Ger)", respectively. Others are from languages such as Latin and Spanish.
Unless specified, the terms are Italian or English. The list can never be complete: some terms are common, and others are used only occasionally, and new ones are coined from time to time. Some composers prefer terms from their own language rather than the standard terms here. For a list of terms used in jazz, country, rock, and other popular music genres, see the Glossary of jazz and popular musical terms. Contents | A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Z
References External links |
A
* a, à (Fr): at, to, by, for, in, in the style of... * a 2: see a due in this list * a battuta: return to normal tempo after a deviation; same as 'a tempo ' * abbandonatamente, con abbandono: free, relaxed * aber (Ger): but * a bene placito: up to the performer * a cappella: in the manner of singing in a chapel; i.e., without instrumental accompaniment * accarezzévole: expressive and caressing * accelerando, accel.: accelerating; gradually increasing the tempo * accent: emphasize, make a particular part more important * accentato/accentuato: accented; with emphasis * acceso: ignited, on fire * acciaccato: broken down, crushed; the sounding of the notes of a chord not quite simultaneously, but from bottom to top. * acciaccatura: crushing; i.e., a very fast grace note that is



References: 1. ^ a b c d e f Collins Music Encyclopedia, 1959. 7. ^ Scivales, Riccardo (2005). Jazz Piano: The Left Hand. Ekay Music, Inc.. ISBN 1-929009-54-2. Retrieved 2011 April 16.

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