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<

ul>

  • ES - Spanish
  • I - Italian
  • F - French
  • D - German
  • NL - Nederlands
  • UK - British English
  • DK - Danish
  • S - Swedish
  • N - Norwegian

    A reference is indicated by -> followed by the term in boldface.


    A
    ES: la : la, F: la, D: A, a, NL: a, DK: a, S: a, N: a.
    accent
    ES: acento, I: accento, F: accent, D: Akzent, NL: accent, DK: accent, S: accent, N:

    The stress of one tone over others.

    accidental
    ES: alteración, I: alterazione, accidente, F: altération D: Vorzeichen, Versetzungszeichen, NL: voorteken, DK: løst fortegn, S: tillfälligt förtecken, N:

    A sharp raises a tone by a -> semitone, a double sharp raises it by a -> whole tone, a flat lowers it by a semitone and a double flat lowers it by a whole tone. A natural cancels the effect of a previous accidental.


    accelerando
    ES: acelerando, I: accelerando, F: accelerando, en accélérant, D: accelerando, Schneller, NL: accelerando, DK: accelerando, S: accelerando, N:

    Still faster tempo.

    adagio
    ES: adagio, I: adagio, F: adagio, lent, D: Adagio, Langsam, NL: adagio, DK: adagio, S: adagio, N: adagio.

    It. comfortable, easy. 1. Slow tempo, slower - especially in even meter - than -> andante and faster than -> largo. 2. A movement in slow tempo, esepecially the scond (slow) movement of -> sonatas, symphonies etc.

    allegro
    ES: allegro, I: allegro, F: allegro, D: Allegro, Schnell, Fröhlich, Lustig, NL: allegro, DK: allegro, S: allegro, N: allegro.

    It. cheerful. Quick tempo. Also used as a title for pieces in a quick tempo, especially the first and last movements of a -> sonata.

    alto
    ES: alto, I: contralto, F: alto, D: Alt, NL: alt, DK: alt, S: alt, N: alt.

    A female voice of low range (contralto). Originally the alto was a high male voice (hence the name) which by the use of falsetto reached the height of the female voice. This type of voice is also known as -> counter tenor.

    alto clef
    ES: clave de do en tercera, I: chiave di contralto, F: clef d'ut troisième ligne, D: Altschlüssel, Bratschenschlüssel, NL: alt sleutel, DK: altnøgle, S: altklav, N:

    C clef setting central C on the middle line of the staff -> C clef

    ancient minor scale
    I: scala minore naturale, F: forme du mode mineur ancien, troisème mode, mode hellénique D: reines Moll, NL: , DK: ren mol, S: ren mollskala, N: .


    andante
    ES: andante, I: andante, F: andante, D: Andante, NL: andante, DK: andante, S: andante, N: andante.

    walking tempo/character

    appoggiatura
    ES: apoyatura, I: appoggiatura, F: appogiature, (port de voix), D: Vorschlag, NL: voorslag, DK: forslag, S: förslag, N:

    Ornamental note, usually a second, that is melodically connected with the main note that follows it. In music before the 19'th century a. were usually performed on the beat, after that mostly before the beat. While the short a. is performed as a short note regardless of the duration of the main note the duration of the long a. is proportionate to that of the main note.

    An appoggiatura may have more notes preceding the main note.


    arpeggio
    ES: arpegio, I: arpeggio, F: arpège, D: Arpeggio, Akkordbrechungen, gebrochener Akkord, NL: gebroken akoord, DK: arpeggio, akkordbrydning, S: arpeggio, N:


    ascending interval
    ES: Intervalo ascendente, I: intervallo ascendente, F: intervalle ascendant, D: steigendes Intervall, NL: stijgend interval, DK: stigende interval, S: stigande intervall, N:

    A distance between a starting lower note and a higher ending note.

    augmented interval
    ES: intervalo aumentado, I: intervallo aumentato, F: intervalle augmenté, D: übermäßiges Intervall, NL: overmatig interval, DK: forstørret interval, S: överstigande intervall, N:

    -> interval

    autograph
    I: autografo, F: manuscrit, D: Autograph, Handschrift, NL: manuscript, DK: håndskrift, autograf, S: handskrift, N: .

    1. A manuscript in the composer's own hand. 2. Music prepared for photoreproduction by freehand drawing, with only the aid of a straightedge ruler and T-square, which attempts to emulate engraving. This required more skill than did engraving.

    B
    ES: si, I: si, F: si, D: H, h, NL: b, DK: h, S: h, N: h.
    backfall; forefall
    -> appoggiatura
    bar line
    ES: , I: stanghetta, barra (di divisione), F: barre (de mesure), D: Taktstrich, NL: maatstreep, DK: taktstreg, S: taktstreck, N:
    bar
    ES: compás, -> measure
    baritone
    ES: bar´itono, I: baritono, F: bariton, D: Bariton, NL: bariton, DK: baryton, S: baryton, N: baryton.

    The male voice intermediate between the -> bass and the -> tenor.

    baritone clef
    ES: clave de fa en tercera I: chiave di baritono, F: clef d' Ut cinquième ligne, clef de Fa troisième, D: Barytonschlüssel, NL: baritonsleutel, DK: barytonnøgle, S: barytonklav, N: .

    C or F clef setting central C on the upper staff line. -> c clef -> f clef

    bass clef
    ES: clave de fa en cuarta, I: chiave di basso, F: clé de fa quatrième ligne, D: Bass-Schlüssel, NL: bassleutel, DK: basnøgle, S: basklav, N:

    A clef setting with central C on the first top ledger line. -> f clef

    bass
    I: basso, F: basse, D: Bass, NL: bas, DK: bas, S: bas, N: bas.

    1. The lowest of men's voices. 2. Sometimes, especially in jazz music, used as an abbreviation for double bass -> strings.

    beam
    I: coda, F: barre, D: Balken, NL: waardestreep, DK: bjælke, S: balk, N:

    Line connecting a series of notes (shorter than a quarter note). The number of beams determine the note value of the connected notes.


    beat
    ES: tiempo, I: tempi, F: temps, D: Taktschlag, Zeit (im Takt), NL: tel, DK: (takt)slag, S: taktslag, N:

    Note value used for counting, most often half-, fourth- and eighth notes. The base counting value and the number of them per measure is indicated at the start of the music.


    bind
    -> tie
    brace
    ES: llave, corchete I: graffa, F: accolade, D: Klammer, Klavierklammer, Akkolade, Chorklammer, NL: accolade, teksthaak, DK: klamme, S: klammer, N:

    Symbol at the start of a system connecting staffs. Curly braces are used for connecting piano staves, angular brackets for connecting parts in an orchestral or choral score.


    brass
    ES: metales, I: ottoni, D: Blechbläser, NL: koper (blazers), F: cuivres, DK: messingblæsere, S: brassinstrument, mässingsinstrument, N:

    A family of blown musical instruments made of brass all using a cup formed mouth piece. The brass instruments commonly used in a symphony orchestra are trumpet, trombone, french horn and tube.

    breath mark
    I: respiro, F: respiration, D: Atemzeichen, Trennungszeichen, NL: repercussieteken, DK: vejrtrækningstegn, S: andningstecken, N: .

    Indication of where to breathe in vocal and wind instrument parts.

    breve
    ES: breve, I: breve, F: brève, D: Brevis, NL: brevis, DK: brevis, S: brevis, N:

    -> Note value twice as long as a whole note. Mainly used in pre-1650 music.


    C
    ES: do, I: do, F: ut, D: C, c, NL: c, DK: c, S: c, N: c
    C clef
    ES: Clave de do, I: chiave di do, F: clé d'ut, D: C-Schlüssel, NL: C-sleutel, DK: c-nøgle, S: c-klav, N:

    Clef symbol indicating the position of the central C. Used on all note lines.


    cadence
    ES: cadencia, I: cadenza, F: cadence, D: Kadenz, NL: cadens, DK: kadence, S: kadens, N: .

    -> harmonic cadence -> functional harmony

    cadenza
    ES: cadenza, I: cadenza, F: cadence, D: Kadenz, NL: cadens, DK: kadence, S: kadens, N: .

    An extended, improvisatory style section inserted near the end of movement. The purpose of a cadenza is to give the singer or player a chance to exhibit her technichal skill and not the least her ability to improvise. Since the middle of the 19'th century, however, most cadences have been written down by the composer.

    canon
    ES: canon, I: canone, F: canon, D: Kanon, NL: canon, DK: kanon, S: kanon, N: .

    -> counterpoint

    cent
    ES: cent, I: cent, F: cent, D: Cent, NL: cent, DK: cent, S: cent, N: .

    Logarithmic unit of measurement. 1 cent is 1/1200 of an octave (1/100 of an equally tempered -> semitone) -> equal temperament

    central C
    -> middle C
    chord
    ES: acorde, I: accordo, F: accord, D: Akkord, NL: akkoord, DK: akkord, S: ackord, N: .

    Three or more tones sounding simultaneously. In traditional European music the base chord is a triad consisting of 2 thirds. Major (major + minor -> third) as well as minor (minor + major third) chords may be extended with more thirds. Four- seventh chords and five tone ninth major chords are most often used as dominants (-> functional harmony). A special case is chords having no third above the lower notes to define their quality as major or minor. Such chords are denoted open chords


    chromatic scale
    ES: escala cromática, I: scala cromatica, F: gamme chromatique, D: Chromatische Tonleiter, NL: chromatische toonladder, DK: kromatisk skala, S: kromatisk skala, N: .

    A scale consisting of all 11 -> semitones.


    chromaticism
    ES: cromatismo, I: cromatismo, F: chromatisme, D: Chromatik, NL: chromatiek, DK: kromatik, S: kromatik, N:

    Use of tones extraneous to a -> diatonic scale (minor, major).

    church mode; ecclesiastical mode ES: modo eclesiástico, I: modo
    ecclesiastico, F: mode ecclésiastique, D: Kirchentonart, NL: kerktoonladder, DK: kirketoneart, S: kyrkotonart, N:

    -> diatonic scale

    clef
    ES: clave, I: chiave, F: clé, clef, D: Schlüssel, Schlüssel, Notenschlüssel, NL: sleutel, DK: nøgle, S: klav, N:

    -> c clef -> f clef -> g clef

    comma
    I: comma, F: comma, D: Komma, NL: komma, DK: komma, S: komma, N:

    Difference in pitch between a note derived from pure tuning and the same note derived from some other tuning method. -> temperament

    common meter
    -> meter
    compound interval
    ES: intervalo compuesto, I: intervallo composto, F: intervalle composé, D: Weites Intervall(?), NL: samengesteld interval, DK: sammensat interval, S: sammansatt intervall, N: .

    Intervals larger than an octave

    -> interval

    complement
    I: rivolto, F: intervalle complémentaire, D: Komplementärintervall, NL: complementair interval, DK: komplementærinterval, S: komplementärintervall (?), N:

    -> inverted interval

    conjunct movement
    ES: movimiento conjunto, I: moto congiunto, F: mouvement conjoint, D: schrittweise/stufenweise Bewegung, NL: , DK: trinvis bevægelse, S: stegvis rörelse, N:

    Melody moving in the narrow steps of the scale;


    consonance
    ES: consonancia, I: consonanza, F: consonance, D: Konsonanz, NL: consonant, DK: konsonans, S: konsonans, N:

    -> harmony

    contralto
    ES: contralto, I: contralto, F: contralto, D: Alt, NL: contralto, DK: alt, S: alt, N:

    -> alto

    counterpoint
    ES: contrapunto, I: contrappunto, F: contrepoint, D: Kontrapunkt, NL: contrapunt, DK: kontrapunkt, S: kontrapunkt, N: .

    From latin punctus contra punctum, note against note. The combination into a single musical fabric of lines or parts which have distinct melodic significance. A frequently used polyphonic technique is imitation, in its strictest form found in the canon needing only one part to be written down while the other parts are performed with a given displacement. Imitation is also the contrapuntal technique used in the fugue which, since the music of the baroque era, has been one of the most popular polyphonic composition methods.


    counter tenor
    ES: contratenor, I: controtenore, F: contre-tenor, D: Kontratenor, NL: contratenor, DK: kontratenor, S: kontratenor, counter tenor, N: kontratenor

    -> contralto

    Copying, Music
    A music copyist did fast freehand scores and parts on preprinted staff lines for performance. Some of their conventions (e.g.: the placement of noteheads on stems) varied slightly from those of engravers. Some of their working methods were superior and could well be adopted by music typesetters. This required more skill than engraving.
    crescendo
    ES: crescendo, I: crescendo, F: crescendo, D: Crescendo, Lauter, NL: crescendo, DK: crescendo, S: crescendo, N: crescendo.

    Increasing volume. Indicated by a rightwards opening horizontal wedge or the abbreviation "cresc.".


    cue-notes
    ES: notas guia, I: notine, F: petites notes précédent l'entrée d'in instrument, réplique, D: Stichnoten, NL: stichnoten, DK: stiknoder, S: inprickningar, N:

    In a separate part notes belonging to another part with the purpose of hinting when to start playing. Usually printed in a smaller type.

    D
    ES: Re, I: re, F: ré, D: D, d, NL: d, DK: d, S: d, N: d
    da capo
    ES: da capo, I: da capo, F: da capo, depuis le commencement, D: da capo, von Anfang, NL: da capo, DK: da capo, S: da capo, N: .

    The term indicates repetition of the piece from the beginning to the end or to a certain place marked fine. Mostly abbreviated D.C.

    dal segno
    ES: dal segno, I: dal segno, F: dal segno, depuis le signe, D: dal segno, NL: dal segno, DK: dal segno, S: dal segno, N: .

    abbreviated d.s. Repetition, not from the beginning, but from another place frequently near the beginning marked by a sign:


    decrescendo
    ES: decrescendo, I: decrescendo, D: Decrescendo, Leiser, NL: decrescendo, DK: decrescendo, S: decrescendo, N: decrescendo

    Decreasing tone volume. Indicated by a leftwards opening horizontal wedge or the abbreviation "decresc.".


    descending interval
    ES: intervalo descendente, I: intervallo discendente, F: intervalle descendant, D: fallendes Intervall, absteigendes Intervall, NL: dalend interval, DK: faldende interval, S: fallande intervall, N:

    An distance between a starting higher note and a lower ending note.

    diatonic scale
    ES: escala diatónica, I: scala diatonica, F: gamme diatonique, D: diatonische Tonleiter, NL: diatonische toonladder, DK: diatonisk skala, S: diatonisk skala, N:

    A scale consisting of 5 -> whole tones and 2 -> semitones (S). Scales played on the white keys of a piano keybord are diatonic.

    The church modes are used in gregorial chant and pre baroque early music but also to some extent in newer jazz music.

    From the beginning of the 17th century the scales used in European compositional music are primarily the major and the minor scales. In the harmonic minor scale type an augmented second (A) occurs between the 6th and 7th tone.


    diminished interval
    ES: intervalo disminu´ido, I: intervallo diminuito, F: intervalle diminué, D: vermindertes Intervall, NL: verminderd interval, DK: formindsket interval, S: förminskat intervall, N: .

    -> interval

    diminuendo
    ES: diminuendo, I: diminuendo, F: diminuendo, D: Diminuendo, NL: diminuendo, DK: diminuendo, S: diminuendo, N: diminuendo.

    -> decrescendo

    disjunct movement
    ES: movimiendo disjunto, I: moto disgiunto, F: mouvement disjoint, D: sprunghafte Bewegung, NL: , DK: springende bevægelse, S: hoppande rörelse, N:

    Melody moving in steps greater than those of the scale. Opposite of -> conjunct movement.


    dissonant interval; dissonance
    ES: intervalo disonante, disonancias, I: intervallo dissonante, dissonanza, F: dissonance, D: Dissonanz, NL: dissonant interval; dissonant, DK: dissonerende interval, dissonans, S: dissonans, N: .

    -> harmony

    dominant ninth chord
    I: accordo di nona di dominante, F: accord de neuvième dominante, D: Dominantnoneakkord, NL: dominant noon akkoord, DK: dominantnoneakkord, S: dominantnonackord, N: .

    -> chord -> functional harmony

    dominant seventh chord
    ES: acorde de séptima de dominante, I: accordo di settima di dominante, F: accord de septième dominante, D: Dominantseptakkord, NL: dominant septiem akkoord, DK: dominantseptimakkord, S: dominantseptimackord, N:

    -> chord -> functional harmony

    dominant
    ES: dominante, I: dominante, F: dominante, D: Dominante, NL: dominant, DK: dominant, S: dominant, N: .

    The fifth -> scale degree -> functional harmony

    dorian mode
    ES: modo dórico, I: modo dorico, F: mode dorien, D: Dorischer Kirchenton, NL: dorische toonladder, dorischer Kirchenton, DK: dorisk skala, S: dorisk tonart, N:

    -> diatonic scale

    dot (augmentation dot)
    ES: puntillo, I: punto (di valore), F: point, D: Punkt (Verlängerungspunkt), NL: punt, DK: punkt, S: punkt, N:

    -> dotted note

    dotted note
    ES: nota con puntillo, I: nota puntata, F: note pointée, D: punktierte Note, NL: gepuncteerde noot, DK: punkteret node, S: punkterad not, N:

    -> note value

    double appoggiatura
    ES: apoyatura doble, I: appoggiatura doppia, F: appoggiature double, D: doppelter Vorschlag, NL: dubbele voorslag, DK: dobbelt forslag, S: dubbelslag, N:

    -> appoggiatura

    double bar line
    I: doppia barra, F: double barre, D: Doppelstrich, NL: dubbele maatstreep, DK: dobbeltstreg, S: dubbelstreck, N: .

    Indicates the end of a section within a movement.

    double dotted note
    ES: nota con dos puntillos, I: nota doppiamente puntata, F: note doublement pointée, D: doppel-punktierte Note, NL: dubbelgepuncteerde noot, DK: dobbeltpunkteret node, S: dubbelpunkterad not, N: .

    -> note value

    double flat
    ES: doble bemol, I: doppio bemolle, F: double bémol, D: Doppel-B, NL: dubbelmol, DK: dobbelt-b, S: dubbelbe, N: .

    -> accidental

    double sharp
    ES: doble sostenido, I: doppio diesis, F: double dièse, D: Doppelkreuz, NL: dubbelkruis, DK: dobbeltkryds, S: dubbelkors, N: .

    -> accidental

    double trill
    ES: trino doble, I: doppio trillo, F: trille double, D: Doppeltriller, NL: dubbele triller, DK: dobbelttrille, S: dubbeldrill, N: .

    A simultaneous trill on two notes, usually in the distance of a third.

    duple meter
    ES: tiempo binario, I: tempo binario, F: temps binaire, D: zweiteiliger Takt, NL: tweedelige maatsoort, DK: todelt takt, S: tvåtakt, N: .

    -> meter

    duplet
    ES: dosillo, I: duina, F: duolet, D: Duole, NL: duool, DK: duol, S: duol, N: .

    -> note value

    duration
    ES: duración, I: durata, F: durée, D: Dauer, Länge, NL: duur, lengte, DK: varighed, S: tonlängd, N: .

    -> note value

    dydimic comma
    -> syntonic comma
    E
    ES: mi, I: mi, F: mi, D: E, e, NL: e, DK: e, S: e, N: e.
    eighth note
    ES: corchea, I: croma, F: croche, UK: quaver, D: Achtel, Achtelnote, NL: achtste noot, DK: ottendedelsnode, S: åttondelsnot, N: .

    -> note value

    eighth rest
    ES: silencio de corchea, I: pausa di croma, F: demi-soupir, UK: quaver rest, D: Achtelpause, NL: achtste rust, DK: ottendedelspause, S: åttonddelspaus, N: .

    -> note value

    engraving
    ES: Grabar, I: incisione, F: gravure, D: Notenstechen, NL: steken, DK: nodestik, S: nottryck, N: .

    Engraving means incising or etching a metal plate for printing. Photoengraving means drawing music with ink in a manner similar to drafting or engineering drawing, using similar tools.

    The traditional process of music printing is done through cutting in a plate of metal. Now also the term for the art of music typesetting.

    enharmonic
    ES: enharmónico, I: enarmonico, F: enharmonique, D: enharmonisch, NL: enharmonisch, DK: enharmonisk, S: enharmonisk, N: .

    Two notes, intervals, or scales are enharmonic if they have different names but equal pitch.


    equal temperament
    I: temperamento equabile, F: tempérament égal, D: gleichschwebende Stimmung, NL: gelijkzwevende temperatuur, DK: ligesvævende temperatur, S: liksvävande temperatur, N: .

    Tuning system dividing the octave into 12 equal -> semitones (precisely 100 -> cents). -> temperament

    expression mark
    I: segno d'espressione, F: signe d'expression, indication de nuance, D: Vortragszeichen, NL: voordrachtsteken, DK: foredragsbetegnelse, S: föredragsbeteckning, N: .

    Performance indications concerning 1. volume, dynamics (for example -> forte, -> crescendo), 2. tempo (for example -> andante, -> allegro)

    F
    ES: fa, I: fa, F: fa, D: F, f, NL: f, DK: f, S: f, N: f.
    F clef
    ES: Clave de Fa, I: chiave di fa, F: clé de fa, D: F-Schlüssel, NL: F-sleutel, DK: F-nøgle, S: f-klav, N: .

    The position between the dots of the key symbol is the line of the F below central C. Used on the third, fourth and fifth note line. A digit 8 above the clef symbol indicates that the notes must be played an octave higher (for example bass recorder) while 8 below the clef symbol indicates playing an octave lower (for example on double bass -> strings).


    fermata
    ES: Calderón, I: corona, F: F: point d'orgue, point d'arrêt, D: Fermate, NL: fermate, DK: fermat, S: fermat, N: .

    Prolonged note or rest of indefinite duration.


    fifth
    ES: quinta, I: quinta, F: quinte, D: Quinte, NL: kwint, DK: kvint, S: kvint, N: kvint.

    -> interval

    figured bass
    ES: bajo cifrado, -> thorough bass
    fingering
    ES: digitación, I: diteggiatura, F: doigté, D: Fingersatz, NL: vingerzetting, DK: fingersætning, S: fingersättning, N: .

    The methodical use of fingers in the playing of instruments.

    flag; pennant
    ES: corchete, I: coda (uncinata), bandiera, F: crochet, D: Fahne, Fähnchen, NL: vlaggetje, DK: fane, S: flagga, N: .

    Ornament at the end of the stem of a note used for notes with values less than a quarter note. The number of flags determines the -> note value.


    flat
    ES: bemol, I: bemolle, F: bémol, D: B, b, NL: mol, DK: b, S: beförtecken, N: .

    -> accidental

    forefall; backfall
    -> appoggiatura
    forte
    ES: forte, I: forte, F: forte, D: forte, Laut, NL: forte, DK: forte, S: forte, N: .

    Loud, abbreviated f, fortissimo (ff) very loud, mezzoforte (mf) medium loud.

    fourth
    ES: cuarta, I: quarta, F: quarte, D: Quarte, NL: kwart, DK: kvart, S: kvart, N: .

    -> interval

    fugue
    ES: fuga, I: fuga, F: fugue, D: Fuge, NL: fuga, DK: fuga, S: fuga, N: .

    -> counterpoint

    functional harmony
    ES: armon´ia funcional, I: armonia funzionale, F: étude des functions, D: Funktionslehre, NL: , DK: funktionsanalyse, funktionsharmonik, S: funktionslära, N:

    A system of harmonic analysis. It is based on the idea that, in a given key, there are only three functionally different chords: tonic (T, the chord on the first note of the scale), subdominant (S, the chord on the fourth note) and dominant (D, the chord on the fifth note). Other are considered to be variants of the base chords.


    G
    ES: sol, I: sol, F: sol, D: G, g, NL: g, DK: g, S: g, N: g.
    G clef
    ES: Clave de sol, I: chiave di sol, F: clé de sol, D: G-Schlüssel, Violinschlüssel, NL: G-sleutel, DK: g-nøgle, S: g-klav, N: .

    A clef symbol indicating the G above central C. Used on the first and second note lines. A digit 8 above the clef symbol indicates that the notes must be played an octave higher while 8 below the clef symbol indicates playing or singing an octave lower (most tenor parts in choral scores are notated like that).


    glissando
    ES: glissando, I: glissando, F: glissando, D: Glissando, NL: glissando, DK: glissando, S: glissando, N: glissando.

    Letting the pitch slide fluently from one note to the other

    grace notes
    I: abbellimenti, F: fioriture, D: Verzierungen, Vorschläge, Vorschlagsnoten, NL: versieringen, DK: forsiringer, S: ornament, N: .

    Notes printed in small types to indicate that their time values are not counted in the rhythm of the bar. -> appoggiatura

    grand staff
    I: accolatura, F: accolade, D: Akkolade, NL: piano systeem, DK: klaversystem, S: ackolad, böjd klammer, N: .

    -> brace

    A combination of two staffs with a brace. Usually used for piano music.

    grave
    ES: grave, I: grave, F: grave, D: grave, langsam, traurig, NL: grave, ernstig, DK: grave, S: grave, N: .

    Slow, solemn.

    half note
    ES: blanca, I: minima, F: blanche, UK: minim, D: Halbe, halbe Note, NL: halve noot, DK: halvnode, S: halvnot, N: .

    -> note value

    half rest
    I: pausa di minima, F: demi-pause, UK: minim rest, D: halbe Pause, NL: halve rust, DK: halvnodespause, S: halvpaus, N: .

    -> note value

    harmonic cadence
    ES: cadencia (armónica), I: cadenza (armonica), F: cadence harmonique, D: Schlusskadenz, NL: harmonische cadens, DK: harmonisk kadence, S: (harmonisk) kadens, N: .

    Sequence of chords that terminate a musical phrase or section. -> functional harmony


    harmony
    ES: armon´ia , I: armonia, F: harmonie, D: Harmonie, Zusammenklang, NL: harmonie, DK: samklang, S: samklang, N:

    Tones sounding simultaneously. Two note harmonies fall into the cathegories consonances and dissonances.

    Consonances:

    Dissonances:

    Three note harmony -> chord

    homophony
    ES: homofon´ia, I: omofonia, F: homophonie, D: Homophonie, NL: homofonie, DK: homofoni, S: homofoni, N: .

    Music in which one voice leads melodically followed by the other voices more or less in the same rhythm. In contrast to -> polyphony.

    interval
    ES: intervalo, I: intervallo, F: intervalle, D: Intervall, NL: interval, DK: interval, S: intervall, N: .

    Difference in pitch between two notes. Intervals may be perfect, minor, major, diminished or augmented. The augmented fourth and the diminished fifth are identical (-> enharmonic) and is called tritonus because it consists of three -> whole tones. The addition of such two forms an octave.


    inverted interval
    ES: intervalo invertido, I: intervallo rivolto, F: intervalle renversé, D: umgekerhtes Intervall, NL: interval inversie, DK: omvendingsinterval, S: intervallets omvändning, N: .

    The difference between an interval and an octave.


    just intonation
    I: intonazione giusta, F: intonation juste, D: reine Stimmung, NL: reine stemming, DK: ren stemning, S: ren stämning, N: .

    Tuning system in which the notes are obtained by adding and subtracting natural fifths and thirds. -> temperament

    key
    ES: tonalidad, I: tonalità, F: tonalité, D: Tonart, NL: toonsoort, DK: toneart, S: tonart, N: .

    According to the 12 tones of the -> chromatic scale there are 12 keys, one on c, one on c-sharp etc. -> key signature

    key signature
    ES: armadura de clave, I: armatura di chiave, F: armure, armature [de la clé], D: Vorzeichen, Tonart, NL:  toonsoort (voortekens), DK: faste fortegn, S: tonartssignatur, N: .

    The sharps or flats appearing at the beginning of each staff indicating the key of the music. -> accidental

    largo
    ES: largo, I: largo, F: largo, D: Largo, Langsam, Breit, NL: largo, DK: largo, S: largo, N: largo

    Very slow in tempo, usually combined with great expressiveness. Larghetto less slow than largo.

    leading note
    ES: sensible, I: sensibile, F: note sensible, D: Leitton, NL: leidtoon, DK: ledetone, S: ledton, N: .

    The seventh -> scale degree, a -> semitone below the tonic; so called because of its strong tendency to "lead up" (resolve upwards) to the tonic scale degree.

    ledger line; leger line
    ES: l´ineas adicionales, I: tagli addizionali, F: ligne supplémentaire, D: Hilfslinie, NL: hulplijntje, DK: hjælpelinie, S: hjälplinje, N: .

    A ledger line is an extension of the staff.


    legato
    ES: ligado, I: legato, F: legato, lié, D: legato, NL: legato, DK: legato, S: legato, N: .

    To be performed without any perceptible interruption between the notes (a) unlike leggiero or non-legato (b), portato (c) and -> staccato (d)


    legato curve
    -> slur -> legato
    lilypond
    ES: estanque de lilas, I: stagno del giglio, F: étang de lis, UK: lily pond, D: Seerosenteich, NL: lelievijver, DK: liliedam, S: liljedamm, N: .

    A pond with lilies floating in it, also the name of a music typesetter.

    line
    ES: l´inea, I: linea, F: ligne, D: Linie, Notenlinie, NL: lijn, DK: nodelinie, S: notlinje, N: .

    -> staff

    long appoggiatura
    ES: apoyatura larga, I: appoggiatura lunga, F: appoggiature longue, D: langer Vorschlag, DK: langt forslag, S: långt förslag, N: .

    -> appoggiatura

    longa
    ES: longa, I: longa, F: longa, D: Longa, NL: longa, DK: longa, S: longa, N: longa

    note value: double length of -> brevis. -> note value


    major interval
    ES: intervalo mayor, I: intervallo maggiore, F: intervalle majeur, D: großes Intervall, NL: groot interval, DK: stort interval, S: stort intervall, N: .

    -> interval

    major
    ES: mayor, I: maggiore, F: [mode] majeur, D: Dur, NL: majeur, DK: dur, S: dur, N: dur.

    -> diatonic scale

    meantone temperament
    I: accordatura mesotonica, F: tempérament mésotonique, D: Mitteltönige Stimmung, DK: middeltonetemperatur, S: medeltonstemperatur, N: .

    Temperament yielding acoustically pure thirds by decreasing the natural fifth by 16 -> cents. Due to the non-circular character of this -> temperament only a limited set of keys are playable. Used for tuning keyboard instruments for performance of pre-1650 music.

    measure, bar
    ES: compás, I: misura, battuta, F: mesure, D: Takt, NL: maat, DK: takt, S: takt, N: takt.

    A group of -> beats (units of musical time) the first of which bears an accent. Such groups in numbers of two or more recur consistently throughout the composition and are marked from each other by bar-lines. -> meter

    mediant
    ES: mediante, I: mediante, modale, F: médiante, NL: mediant, D: Mediant, DK: mediant, S: mediant, N: .

    1. The third scale degree. 2. A -> chord having its base tone a third from that of another chord. For example the tonic chord may be replaced by its lower mediant (variant tonic). -> functional harmony -> relative key.

    melodic cadence
    -> cadenza
    meter, time
    ES: compás, I: tempo, metro, F: indication de mésure, D: Taktart, Metrum, NL: maatsoort, DK: taktart, S: taktart, N: .

    The basic scheme of -> note values and -> accents which remains unaltered throughout a composition or a section of it. For instance 3/4 meter means that the basic -> note values are quarter-notes and that a -> measure consists of three of those. According to whether there are two, three or four units to the measure, one speaks of duple (2/2, 2/4, 2/8), triple (3/2, 3/4, 3/8) or quadruple (4/2, 4/4, 4/8) meter. 4/4 is also called common meter.


    metronome
    ES: metrónomo, I: metronomo, F: métronome, D: Metronom, NL: metronoom, DK: metronom, S: metronom, N: metronom.

    Device indicating the exact tempo of a piece. -> metronomic indication

    metronomic indication
    ES: indicación metronómica, I: indicazione metronomica, F: indication métronomique, D: Metronomangabe, NL: metronoom aanduiding, DK: metronomtal, S: metronomangivelse, N: .

    Exact tempo indication (in beats per minute). Also denoted by M.M. (Mälzel's Metronom)

    mezzo-soprano
    ES: mezzo soprano, I: mezzo-soprano, F: mezzo-soprano, D: Mezzosopran, NL: mezzosopraan, DK: mezzosopran, S: mezzosopran, N: mezzosopran.

    The female voice between -> soprano and -> contralto.

    middle C
    ES: do central, I: do centrale, F: do central, D: eingestrichenes c, NL: centrale c, DK: enstreget c, S: ettstruket c, N:

    First C below the 440 Hz A.


    minor interval
    ES: intervalo mayor, I: intervallo minore, F: intervalle mineur, D: kleines Intervall, NL: klein interval, DK: lille interval, S: litet intervall, N: .

    -> interval

    minor
    ES: menor, I: minore, F: mode mineur, D: Moll, NL: mineur, DK: mol, S: moll, N: .

    -> diatonic scale

    mode
    ES: modo, I: modo, F: mode, D: Modus, NL: modus, DK: skala, S: modus, skala, N: .

    -> church mode -> diatonic scale

    modulation
    ES: modulación, I: modulazione, F: modulation, D: Modulation, NL: modulatie, DK: modulation, S: modulering, N: .

    Moving from one -> key to another. For example the second subject of a -> sonata form movement modulates to the dominant key if the key is major and to the -> relative key if the key is minor.

    mordent
    I: mordente, F: mordant, D: Mordent, NL: mordent, DK: mordent, S: mordent, N: .

    -> ornament

    motive; motif
    ES: tema, I: inciso, F: incise, D: Motiv, NL: motief, DK: motiv, S: motiv, N: .

    The briefest intelligible and self-contained fragment of a musical theme or subject.


    movement
    ES: movimiento, I: movimento, F: mouvement, D: Satz, NL: deel, DK: sats, S: sats, N: .

    Greater musical works like -> symphony and -> sonata most often consist of several - more or less - independant pieces called movements.

    multibar rest
    ES: compases de espera, I: pausa multipla, F: pause multiple, NL: meermaats rust, D: mehrtaktige Pause, DK: flertaktspause, S: flertaktspaus, N: .


    mixolydian mode
    -> diatonic scale
    natural sign
    ES: becuadro, I: bequadro, F: bécarre, D: Auflösungszeichen, NL: herstellingsteken, DK: opløsningstegn, S: återställningstecken, N: .

    -> accidental

    neighbour tones
    -> appoggiatura
    ninth
    ES: novena, I: nona, F: neuvième, D: None, NL: noon, DK: none, S: nona, N: .

    -> interval

    non-legato
    -> legato
    note
    ES: nota, I: nota, F: note, D: Note, NL: noot, DK: node, S: not, N: ,

    Notes are signs by means of which music is fixed in writing. The term is also used for the sound indicated by a note, and even for the key of the piano which produces the sound. However, a clear distinction between the terms tone and -> note is strongly recommended. Briefly, one sees a note, and hears a tone.

    note head
    ES: oval, I: testa, testina, capocchia, F: tête de la note, D: Notenkopf, NL: nootballetje, DK: nodehovede, S: nothuvud, N: .

    A head like sign which indicates pitch by its position on a -> staff provided with a -> clef, and duration by a variety of shapes such as hollow or black heads with or without -> stems, -> flags etc. For percussion instruments (often having no defined pitch) the note head may indicate the instrument.

    note value
    ES: valor, I: valore, durata, F: durée, valeur (d'une note), D: Notenwert, NL: nootwaarde, DK nodeværdi, S: notvärde, N: .

    Note values (durations) are measured as fractions, normally 1/2, of the next higher note value. The longest duration normally used is called brevis, but sometimes (mostly in pre baroque music) the double length note value longa is used.

    An augmentation dot after a note multiplies the duration by one and a half. Another dot adds yet a fourth of the duration.

    Alternatively note values may be subdivided by other ratios. Most common is subdivision by 3 (triplets) and 5 (quintuplets). Subdivisions by 2 (tuplets) or 4 (quadruplets) of dotted notes are also frequently used.


    octave sign
    -> g clef -> f clef
    octave
    ES: octava, I: ottava, F: octave, D: Oktave, NL: octaaf, DK: oktav, S: oktav, N: .

    -> interval

    ornament; embellishment; accessory
    ES: adorno, I: abbellimento, fioriture, F: agrément, ornement, D: Verzierung, Ornament, NL: versiering, DK: forsiring, S: ornament, N: .

    Most commonly used is the trill, the rapid alternation of a given note with the diatonic -> second above it. In the music from the middle of the 19th century and onwards the trill is performed with the main note first while in the music from the preceding baroque and classic periods the upper note is played first.

    Other frequently used ornaments are the turn, the mordent and the prall (inverted mordent).

    -> appoggiatura

    ossia
    ES: ossia, I: ossia, F: ossia, D: Ossia, NL: alternatief, DK: ossia, S: ossia, N: .

    Ossia (otherwise) marks an alternative. It is an added staff or piano score, usually only a few measures long, which presents another version of the music, for example for small hands.

    part
    ES: parte, I: voce, parte, F: partie, D: Stimme, NL: partij, DK: stemme, S: stämma, N: .

    1. In instrumental or choral music the music for the single instrument or voice. 2. in contrapuntal music -> counterpoint the single melodic line of the contrapuntal web.

    percussion
    ES: percusión, I: percussioni, F: percussion, D: Schlagzeug, NL: slagwerk, DK: slagtøj, S: slagverk, N: .

    A family of musical instruments which are played on by striking or shaking. Percussion instruments commonly used in a symphony orchestra are kettledrums (I: timpani, D: Pauken), snare drum, bass drum, tambourine, cymbals, chinese gong (tam-tam), triangle, celesta, glockenspiel and xylophone.

    perfect interval
    ES: intervalo justo, I: intervallo giusto, F: intervalle juste, D: reines Intervall, NL: rein interval, DK: rent interval, S: rent intervall, N: .

    -> interval

    phrase
    ES: frase, I: frase, F: phrase, D: Phrase, NL: frase, zin, DK: frase, S: fras, N: .

    A natural division of the melodic line, comparable to a sentence of speech.

    phrasing
    ES: fraseo, I: fraseggio, F: phrasé, D: Phrasierung, NL: frasering, DK: frasering, S: frasering, N: .

    The clear rendering in musical performance of the -> phrases of the melody. Phrasing may be indicated by a -> slur.

    piano
    ES: piano, I: piano, F: piano, D: piano, leise, NL: piano, DK: piano, S: piano, N: .

    piano (p) soft, pianissimo (pp) very soft, mezzopiano (mp) medium soft.

    pitch
    ES: altura, I: altezza, F: hauteur, D: Tonhöhe, NL: toonhoogte, DK: tonehøjde, S: tonhöjd, N: .
    pizzicato
    ES: pizzicato, I: pizzicato, F: pizzicato, D: pizzicato, NL: pizzicato, getokkeld, DK: pizzicato, S: pizzicato.

    Play by plucking the strings.

    polyphony
    ES: polifon´ia, I: polifonia, F: polyphonie, D: Polyphonie, NL: polyfonie, DK: polyfoni, S: polyfoni, N: .

    Music written in a combination of several simultaneous voices (parts) of a more or less pronounced individuality. -> counterpoint

    portato
    -> legato
    presto
    ES: presto, I: presto, F: presto, D: Presto, Sehr schnell, NL: presto, Sehr schnell, DK: presto, S: presto, N: .

    Very quick, i.e. quicker than -> allegro. prestissimo denotes the highest possible degree of speed.

    Pythagorean comma
    ES: coma pitagórico, I: comma pitagorico, F: comma pythagoricien, D: Pythagoräisches Komma, NL: komma van Pythagoras, DK: pythagoræisk komma, S: pytagoreiskt komma, N: .

    A sequence of fifths starting on C eventually circles back to C, but this C, obtained by adding 12 fifths, is 24 -> cents higher than the C obtained by adding 7 octaves. The difference between those two pitches is called the Pythagorean comma.

    quadruplet
    ES: cuatrillo, I: quartina, F: quartolet, D: Quartole, NL: kwartool, DK: kvartol, S: kvartol, N: .

    -> note value

    quarter note
    ES: negra, I: semiminima, nera, F: noire, UK: crotchet, D: Viertel, Viertelnote, NL: kwartnoot, DK: fjerdedelsnode, S: fjärdedelsnot, N:

    -> note value

    quarter rest
    ES: silencio de negra, I: pausa di semiminima, F: soupir, UK: crotchet rest, D: Viertelpause, NL: kwart rust, DK: fjerdedelspause, S: fjärdedelspaus, N: .

    -> note value

    quintuplet
    ES: quintillo, I: quintina, F: quintolet, D: Quintole, NL: kwintool, DK: kvintol, S: kvintol, N: .

    -> note value

    rallentando
    ES: rallentando, I: rallentando, F: rallentando, D: rallentando, langsamer, NL: rallentando, DK: rallentando, S: rallentando, N: rallentando.

    Abbreviation "rall.". -> ritardando

    relative key
    ES: relativa, I: tonalità relativa, F: tonalité relative, D: Paralleltonart, DK: paralleltoneart, S: parallelltonart, N: .

    -> Major and -> minor -> key with the same -> signature.


    repeat
    ES: barra de repetición, I: ritornello, F: barre de reprise, D: Wiederholung, NL: herhaling, DK: gentagelse, S: repris, N: .


    rest
    ES: silencio, I: pausa, F: silence, D: Pause, NL: rust, DK: pause, S: paus, N: .

    -> note value

    rhythm
    ES: ritmo, I: ritmo, F: rythme, D: Rhythmus, NL: ritme, DK: rytme, S: rytm, N: .

    (a) metrical rhythm in which every time value is a multiple or fraction of a fixed unit of time, called -> beat, and in which the normal -> accent recurs in regular intervals, called -> measure. The basic scheme scheme of time values is called -> meter. (b) Measured rhythm which lacks regularly recurrent accent. In modern notation such music appears as a free alternation of different measures. (c) Free rhythm, i.e. the use of temporal values having no common metrical unit (beat).

    ritardando
    ES: retardando, I: ritardando, F: ritardando, D: Ritardando, Langsamer, NL: ritardando, DK: ritardando, S: ritardando, N: .

    Gradually slackening in speed. Mostly abbreviated to rit. or ritard.

    ritenuto
    ES: ritenuto, I: ritenuto, F: ritenuto, D: Ritenuto, NL: ritenuto, DK: ritenuto, S: ritenuto, N: .

    Immediate reduction of speed.

    scale
    ES: escala, I: scala, F: gamme, D: Tonleiter, NL: toonladder, DK: Skala, S: skala, N: .

    -> diatonic scale

    scale degree
    ES: grados de la escala, I: grado della scala, F: degré [de la gamme], D: Tonleiterstufe, NL: trap [van de toonladder], DK: skalatrin, S: skalsteg (?), N: .

    Names and symbols used in harmonic analysis to denote tones of the scale as roots of chords. The most important are degrees I = tonic (T), IV = subdominant (S) and V = dominant (D).

    -> functional harmony

    score
    ES: partitura, I: partitura, F: partition, D: Partitur, NL: partituur, DK: partitur, S: partitur, N: .

    A copy of orchestral, choral or chamber music showing what each instrument is to play, each voice to sing, having each part arranged one underneath the other on different -> staves.

    second
    ES: segunda, I: secunda, F: seconde, D: Sekunde, NL: secunde, DK: sekund, S: sekund, N: .

    The -> interval between two neigbouring tones of a scale. A -> diatonic scale consists of alternating -> semitones and -> whole tones, hence the size of a second depends on the scale degrees in question.

    semitone
    ES: semitono, I: semitono, F: demi-ton, D: Halbton, NL: halve toon, DK: halvtone, S: halvton, N: .

    The -> interval of a minor second. The (usually) smallest interval in European composed music. The interval between two neighbouring tones on the piano keyboard - including black and white keys - is a semitone. An octave may be divided into 12 semitones. -> interval -> chromatic scale


    seventh
    ES: séptima, I: settima, F: septième, D: Septime, NL: septiem, DK: septim, S: septim, N: .

    -> interval

    sextuplet, sextolet
    I: sestina, F: sextolet, D: Sextole, NL: sextool, DK: sekstol, S: sextol, N: .

    -> note value

    sharp
    ES: sostenido, I: diesis, F: dièse, D: Kreuz, NL: kruis, DK: kryds, S: korsförtecken, N: .

    -> accidental

    short appoggiatura
    -> appoggiatura
    sixteenth note
    ES: semicorchea, I: semicroma, F: double croche, UK: semiquaver, D: Sechzehntel, Sechzehntelnote, NL: zestiende noot, DK: sekstendedelsnode, S: sextondelsnot, N: .

    -> note value

    sixteenth rest
    ES: silencia de semicorchea, I: pausa di semicroma, F: quart de soupir, UK: semiquaver rest, D: Sechzehntelpause, NL: zestiende rust, DK: sekstendedelspause, S: sextondelspaus, N: .

    -> note value

    sixth
    ES: sexta, I: sesta, F: sixte, D: Sexte, NL: sext, DK: sekst, S: sext, N: .

    -> interval

    sixty-fourth note
    ES: semifusa, I: semibiscroma, F: quadruple croche, UK: hemidemisemiquaver, D: Vierundsechzigstel, Vierundsechzigstelnote, NL: vierenzestigste noot, DK: fireogtredsindstyvendedelsnode, S: sextiofjärdedelsnot, N: .

    -> note value

    sixty-fourth rest
    ES: silencia de semifusa, I: pausa di semibiscroma, F: seizième de soupir, UK: hemidemisemiquaver rest, D: Vierundsechzigstelpause, NL: vierenzestigste rust, DK: fireogtredsindstyvendedelspause, S: sextiofjärdedelspaus, N: .

    -> note value

    slur
    ES: ligadura, I: legatura (di portamento or espressiva), F: liaison, coulé, D: Bogen, Bindebogen, Legatobogen, Phrasierungsbogen, NL: binding, bindingsboog, DK: legatobue, fraseringsbue, S: båge, N: .

    A slur above or below a group of notes indicates that they are to be played -> legato, e.g. with one stroke of the violin bow or with one breath in singing.

    solmization
    I: solmisazione, F: solmisation, D: Solmisation, NL: solmizatie, DK: solmisation, S: solmisation, N: .

    General term for systems of designating the degrees of the -> scale, not by letters, but by syllables (do (ut), re, mi, fa, sol, la, si (ti)). -> scale degree.

    sonata
    ES: sonata, I: sonata, F: sonate, D: Sonate, NL: sonate, DK: sonate, S: sonat, N: .

    In its present-day meaning a sonata denotes an instrumental composition for piano or for some other instrument with piano accompaniment, which consists of three or four independant pieces, called movements.

    sonata form
    ES: forma sonata, I: forma sonata, F: [en] forme de sonate, D: Sonatenform, NL: hoofdvorm, sonatevorm, DK: sonateform, S: sonatform, N: .

    A form used frequently for single movements of the -> sonata, -> symphony, quartet etc. A movement written in sonata form falls in three sections called exposition, development and recapitulation. In the exposition the composer introduces his musical ideas, consisting of a number of themes; in the development section he "develops" this material, and in the recapitulation he repeats the exposition, with certain modifications however. The exposition contains a number of themes which fall into two groups, often called first and second subject. Other melodies occurring in each group are considered as continuations of these two. The second theme is in another key, normally in the key of the -> dominant if the -> tonic is -> major, and in the -> relative key if the tonic is -> minor.

    soprano
    ES: soprano, I: soprano, F: soprano, D: Sopran, NL: sopraan, DK: sopran, S: sopran, N: .

    The highest female voice.

    staccato
    ES: staccato, I: staccato, F: staccato, piqué, détaché, D: staccato, NL: staccato, DK: staccato, S: staccato, N:

    Playing the note(s) short. Staccato is indicated by a dot above or below the notehead.


    staff
    ES: pentagrama, I: pentagramma, rigo (musicale), F: portée, D: Notensystem, NL: (noten)balk; partij, DK: nodesystem, S: notsystem, N: .

    pl. staves or staffs. A series of (normally 5) horizontal lines upon and between which the musical notes are written, thus indicating (in connection with a -> clef) their pitch. Staffs for -> percussion instruments may have fewer lines.

    stem
    ES: plica, I: gamba, F: queue, D: Hals, Notenhals, Stiel, NL: stok, DK: hals, S: skaft, N: .

    Vertical line above or below a -> note head shorter than a whole note. -> beam


    strings
    ES: arcos, cuerdas, I: archi, F: cordes, D: Streicher, NL: strijkers, DK: strygere, S: stråkar, N: .

    A family of stringed musical instruments played with a bow. Strings commonly used in a symphony orchestra are violin, viola, violoncello and double bass.

    strong beat
    ES: tiempo fuerte, I: tempo forte, F: temps fort, D: betonter Taktteil oder -schlag, NL: thesis, D: betonet taktslag, S: betonat taktslag, N: .

    -> beat -> accent -> measure -> rhythm

    subdominant
    ES: subdominante, I: sottodominante, F: sous-dominante, D: Subdominante, NL: subdominant, DK: subdominant, S: subdominant, N: .

    The fourth -> scale degree. -> functional harmony

    submediant
    ES: superdominante, I: sopratonica, F: sous-médiante, D: Submediant, NL: submediant, DK: Submediant, S: submediant, N: .

    The sixth -> scale degree.

    subtonic
    ES: sensible, I: sottotonica, F: sous-tonique, D: Subtonika, NL: subtonica, DK: Subtonika, S: subtonika, N: .

    The seventh -> scale degree

    superdominant
    ES: superdominante, I: sopradominante, F: sus-dominante, D: Superdominant, NL: superdominant, DK: superdominant, S: superdominant, N: .

    The sixth -> scale degree

    supertonic
    ES: supertónica, I: sopratonica, F: sus-tonique, D: Supertonika, NL: supertonica, DK: supertonika, S: supertonika, N: .

    The second -> scale degree.

    symphony
    ES: sinfon´ia, I: sinfonia, F: symphonie, D: Sinfonie, NL: symfonie, DK: symfoni, S: symfoni, N: .

    A symphony may be defined as a -> sonata for orchestra.

    syncopation
    ES: sincopado, I: sincope, F: syncope, D: Synkope, NL: syncope, DK: synkope, S: synkop, N: .

    Any deliberate upsetting of the normal pulse of -> meter, -> accent and -> rhythm. Our system of musical rhythm rests upon the grouping of equal beats into groups of two or three, with a regularly recurrent accent on the first beat of each group. Any deviation from this scheme is felt as a disturbance or contradiction between the underlaying (normal) pulse and the actual (abnormal) rhythm.


    syntonic comma; dydimic comma
    I: comma sintonico (o didimico), F: comma syntonique, D: Syntonisches Komma, NL: syntonische komma, DK: syntonisk komma, S: syntoniskt komma, N: .

    Difference between the natural third and the third obtained by Pythagorean tuning (-> Pythagorean comma), equal to 22 cents.

    system
    I: accollatura, F: système, D: Notensystem, NL: systeem, DK: system, S: system, N: .

    The collection of staves -> staff, two or more, as used for the writing down of keyboard, chamber, choral or orchestral music.

    temperament
    ES: temperamento, I: temperamento, F: tempérament, D: Stimmung, Temperatur, NL: temperament, DK: temperatur, S: temperatur, N: .

    Systems of tuning in which the intervals deviate from the accoustically pure intervals. -> meantone temperament -> equal temperament

    tempo indication
    ES: indicación de tempo, I: indicazione di tempo, F: indication de temps, D: Zeitmaß, Tempobezeichnung, NL: tempo aanduiding, DK: tempobetegelse, S: tempobeteckning, N: .

    The rate of speed of a composition or a section thereof, ranging from the slowest to the quickest, as is indicated by tempo marks as -> largo, -> adagio, -> andante, -> allegro and -> presto.

    tenor
    ES: tenor, I: tenore, F: ténor, D: Tenor, NL: tenor, DK: tenor, S: tenor, N: .

    The highest voice of men (apart from -> counter tenor)

    tenth
    ES: décima, I: decima, F: dixième, D: Dezime, NL: deciem, DK: decim, S: decima, N: .

    -> note value

    third
    ES: tercera, I: terza, F: tierce, D: Terz, NL: terts, DK: terts, S: ters, N: .

    -> interval

    thirty-second note
    ES: fusa, I: biscroma, F: triple croche, UK: demisemiquaver, D: Zweiunddreißigstel, Zweiunddreißigstelnote, NL: twee-endertigste noot, DK: toogtredivtedelsnode, S: trettiotvåondelsnot, N: .

    -> note value

    thirty-second rest
    ES: silencio de fusa, I: pausa di biscroma, F: huitième de soupir, UK: demisemiquaver rest, D: Zweiunddreißigstelpause, NL: 32e rust, DK: toogtredivtedelspause, S: trettiotvåondelspaus, N: .

    -> note value

    thorough bass; figured bass
    ES: bajo cifrado, I: basso continuo, basso numerato, F: basse chiffrée, D: Generalbass, bezifferter Bass, NL: basso continuo, DK: generalbas, S: generalbas, N: .

    A method of indicating an accompaniment part by the bass notes only, together with figures designating the chief -> intervals and -> chords to be played above the bass notes.


    tie; bind
    ES: ligadura de prolongación, I: legatura (di valore), F: liaison, D: Haltebogen, NL: overbinding, DK: bindebue, S: bindebåge, överbindning, N: .

    A curved line, identical in appearance with the -> slur, which connects two succesive notes of the same pitch, and which has the function of uniting them into a single sound equal to the combined durations.


    time signature
    ES: cifra indicadora de compás, I: segni di tempo, F: chiffrage (chiffres indicateurs), signe de valeur, D: Taktangabe, Angabe der Taktart, NL: maatsoort, DK: taktangivelse, S: taktartssignatur, N: .

    -> meter

    tone
    ES: sonido, I: suono, F: ton, D: Ton, NL: toon, DK: tone, S: ton, N: .

    A sound of definite pitch and duration, as distinct from noise. Tone is a primary building material of music. Music from the 20th century may be based on non tone related sounds.

    tonic
    ES: tonica, I: tonica, F: tonique, D: Tonika, NL: tonica, DK: tonika, S: tonika, N: .

    The first -> scale degree-> functional harmony

    transposition
    ES: transposición, I: trasposizione, F: transposition, D: Transposition, NL: transpositie, DK: transposition, S: transponering, N: .

    Shifting a melody up or down in pitch, while keeping the same relative pitches.


    treble clef
    ES: clave de sol, I: chiave di violino, F: clé de sol, D: Violinschlüssel, Sopranschlüssel, NL: viool sleutel, DK: diskantnøgle, S: diskantklav, N: .

    -> G clef

    tremolo
    ES: tremolo, I: tremolo, F: trémolo, D: Tremolo, NL: tremolo, DK: tremolo, S: tremolo, N: .

    On stringed instruments (-> strings) the quick reiteration of the same tone, produced by a rapid up-and-down movement movement of the bow (a). The term is also used for the rapid alternation (b) between two notes of a -> chord, usually in the distance of a third (-> interval).


    triad
    ES: tr´iada, I: triade, F: triade, accord parfait, accord de trois sons, D: Dreiklang, NL: drieklank, DK: treklang, S: treklang, N:

    -> chord

    trill; shake
    ES: trino, I: trillo, F: trille, tremblement, battement (cadence), D: Triller, NL: triller, DK: trille, S: drill, N: .

    -> ornament

    triple meter
    ES: compás compuesto , I: tempo ternario, F: mesure ternaire, D: dreiteiliger Takt, NL: driedelige maatsoort, DK: tredelt takt, S: tretakt, N: .

    -> meter

    triplet
    ES: tresillo, I: terzina, F: triolet, D: Triole, NL: triool, DK: triol, S: triol, N: .

    -> note value

    tritone
    ES: tr´itono, I: tritono, F: triton, D: Tritonus, NL: tritoon, DK: tritonus, S: tritonus, N: .

    -> interval

    tuning fork
    ES: diapasón, I: diapason, corista, F: diapason, D: Stimmgabel, NL: stemvork, DK: stemmegaffel, S: stämgaffel, N: .

    A two-pronged piece of steel used to indicate absolute pitch. Tuning forks give the international pitch for the tone a (440 vibrations per second.)

    turn; gruppetto
    ES: grupo, I: gruppetto, F: grupetto, D: Doppelschlag, NL: dubbelslag, DK: dobbeltslag, S: dubbelslag, N: .
    unison
    ES: un´isono, I: unisono, F: unisson, D: Unison, unisono, NL: unisono, DK: unison, S: unison, N: .

    Playing of the same notes or the same melody by various instruments (voices) or by the whole orchestra (choir), either at exactly the same pitch or in a different octave.

    upbeat
    ES: entrada anacrúsica, I: anacrusi, F: anacrouse, levée, D: Auftakt, NL: opmaat, DK: optakt, S: upptakt, N:

    Initial note(s) of a melody occurring before the first bar line. -> measure -> meter


    voice
    ES: voz, I: voce, F: voix, D: Stimme, NL: stem, DK: stemme, S: stämma, N: ,

    1. Human voices: -> soprano, -> mezzo-soprano, -> contralto, -> tenor, -> baritone, -> bass. 2. A melodic layer or part of a polyphonic composition.

    weak beat
    ES: tiempo débil, I: tempo debole, arsi, F: temps faible, D: unbetonter Taktteil oder -schlag, NL: arsis, DK: ubetonet taktslag, S: obetonat taktslag, N: .

    -> beat -> measure -> rhythm

    whole note
    ES: redonda, I: semibreve, F: ronde, UK: semibreve, D: Ganze, Ganze Note, NL: hele noot, DK: helnode, S: helnot, N: .

    -> note value

    whole rest
    ES: silencio de redonda, I: pausa di semibreve, F: pause, UK: semibreve rest, D: Ganze Pause, NL: hele rust, DK: helnodespause, S: helpaus, N: .

    -> note value

    whole tone
    ES: tono, I: tono intero, F: ton entier, D: Ganzton, NL: hele toon, DK: heltone, S: helton, N: .

    The -> interval of a major second. The interval between two tones on the piano keyboard with exactly one key between them - including black and white keys - is a whole tone.

    woodwind
    ES: maderas, I: legni, F: les bois, D: Holzbläser, NL: houtblazers, DK træblæsere, S: träblåsare, N: .

    A family of blown wooden musical instruments. Today some of these instruments are actually made from metal. The woodwind instruments commonly used in a symphony orchestra are flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone and bassoon.

    DURATION NAMES, NOTES AND RESTS

    UK I F D NL DK S N

    longa longa longa Longa longa longa longa longa longa

    breve breve breve brève Brevis brevis brevis brevis brevis

    whole semibreve semibreve ronde Ganze hele hel hel

    half minim minima blanche Halbe halve halv halv

    quarter crotchet semiminima noire Viertel kwart fjerdedel fjärdedel

    eighth quaver croma croche Achtel achtste ottendedel åttondel

    sixteenth semiquaver semicroma double croche Sechzehntel zestiende sekstendedel sextondel

    thirty-second demisemiquaver biscroma triple croche Zweiunddreißigstel twee-endertigste toogtredivte-del trettiotvåondel

    sixty-fourth hemidemisemiquaver semibiscroma quadruple croche Vierundsechzigstel vierenzestigste fireogtredsindstyvendedel sextiofjärdedel

    PITCH NAMES

    I F D NL DK S N

    c do ut C c c c c

    c-sharp do diesis ut dièse Cis cis cis cis cis

    d-flat re bemolle ré bémol Des des des des des

    d re D d d d d

    e mi mi E e e e e

    f fa fa F f f f f

    g sol sol G g g g g

    a-flat la bemolle la bémol As as as as as

    a la la A a a a a

    a-sharp la diesis la dièse Ais ais ais ais ais

    b-flat si bemolle si bémol B bes b b b

    b si si H b h h h


    --------------------

    Literature used
    The Harvard Dictionary of Music, London 1944. Many more or less litteral quotes from its articles have been included into the item explanation texts.

    Hugo Riemans Musiklexicon, Berlin 1929

    Polyglottes Wörterbuch der musikalisch Terminologie, Kassel 1980 Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary of Current English, Third Edition 1974.

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