Search results
Glossary of music terminology. A variety of musical terms are encountered in printed scores, music reviews, and program notes. Most of the terms are Italian, 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.
Music is its own language, and it can be confusing. That’s why we’re creating this glossary of music terms. From basic terms like ‘melody’ and ‘rhythm’ to more complex ones like ‘negative harmony,’ we break things down in a way that’s easy to understand.
- Presto Prestissimo
- Rubato Tenuto
- Attacca Cambiare
- solo
- Techniques
- Colla voce
- Legato
- Spiccato
- Banda
- Comprimario/a
- Bravo
- Stagione
ready very ready Very fast Very very fast, as fast as possible
robbed sustained Free flowing and exempt from steady rhythm Holding or sustaining a single note Accompagnato accompanied Alla marcia as a march A tempo to time
attach change Proceed to the next section without pause Any change, such as to a new instrument Da Capo (al fine) Dal Segno Divisi
from the beginning (to the end) to the sign divided alone Abbreviated as D.C., informs the performer to go back to the beginning (capo) (finishing where the part is marked fine) Abbreviated as D.S., informs the performer to repeat a specific section marked by a sign (segno) Instructs one section to divide into two or more separate sections, each pl...
Altissimo Arpeggio Acciaccatura Appoggiatura Basso continuo A bocca chiusa Chiuso
very high harp-like crushing leaning continuous bass mouth closed closed with the bow with the voice Very high chord with the notes spread out in time An extra, very fast grace note type of ornament Continuous bass accompaniment (see figured bass.) Wordless humming in a choral piece Calls for a horn to be muted by hand Cancels col legno and pizzica...
with the wood coloration glide tied together singer, especially when slowing for textual effect Calls for a bowed instrument to be struck with the wood rather than the hair of the bow Elaborate ornamentation of a vocal line sweeping glide from one pitch to another series of notes played with a smooth connection between them Con sordino Senza sordin...
with mute without mute plucked carrying carried covered one string two strings tutte Three strings or all the strings separated Tutti staccatissimo Staccato Scordatura vibrato
all very detached detached mistuning vibrating first lady first man band Calls for mute to be applied, esp. to string instruments. Calls for mute to be removed, esp. from string instruments. Calls for a bowed instrument to be plucked with the fingers sliding of pitch between two notes style of playing between staccato and legato Of a drum, muted wi...
first Concertino little concert A supporting role The smaller, more virtuosic, group of musicians in a concerto grosso
skillful A performance of extraordinary virtuosity a cry of congratulation to a male singer or performer. Fem. brava, pl. bravi, fem.pl. brave. The use of ! at the of "Bravo/a/i/e(!)" strongly emphasize the written expression.
season Conductor, music director, music teacher, also composer and other eminent musicians and singers Assistant conductor Assistant conductor Prompter A variety of formal organisation of players and crew in the staging of operas
- Salsa. ‘Salsa’ originated in Cuba and has its roots in Afro-Cuban music. It features a syncopated rhythm section that follows a ‘call and response’ structure.
- Merengue. ‘Merengue’ originated in the Dominican Republic in the 1800s. The earliest form incorporated European instruments such as the guitar, which were eventually replaced with the accordion and the ‘Tambora’, a traditional drum.
- Tango. Like many other genres of Latin music, dance is an integral part and the music is often played to facilitate it. Similarly, in Tango, the beat is on a 2/4 or 4/4 pattern, and instruments such as the guitar, piano, flute, trumpet, and double bass are used to create an accompanying melody.
- Reggaeton. Even those who may not have extensively heard Latin music, are probably familiar with this genre of music that originated in Panama in the 1980s and spread to Puerto Rico, before gaining popularity in the mainland US.
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.
- 418KB
- 18
Jun 16, 2024 · Latin music refers to music that originates from Latin America or is influenced by Latin American culture. It encompasses a wide range of genres, including salsa, merengue, bachata, reggaeton, cumbia, and more.
People also ask
What is Latin music?
What are music terms?
What languages are used in Latin music?
What does Sonata mean in music?
What does figured song Mean?
What does Durezza mean in music?
Latin music refers to a diverse range of musical styles and genres that originate from Latin America, Spain, and Portugal. It encompasses various forms, including salsa, merengue, bachata, tango, and reggaeton, reflecting the cultural, social, and historical influences of the regions they represent.
