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The person who directs the performance of an orchestra or choir, often using hand gestures. In context: 'The conductor led the orchestra with precision, ensuring each section entered at the correct time.'

A slight fluctuation in pitch used to enhance or intensify a note. In context: 'The string players used vibrato to warm up their sound in the adagio section.'

A passage where all instruments or voices play together. In context: 'After the solo, the tutti section brought the whole orchestra back in.'

A tempo marking indicating slow and leisurely pace. In context: 'The adagio movement was so lyrical and expressive, it brought tears to the eyes of some audience members.'

An instruction to immediately move to the next section of music without a pause. In context: 'At the end of the movement, the attacca sign directed the orchestra to proceed directly into the next movement.'

A style of playing where each note is sharply detached or separated from the others. In context: 'The staccato passages in the trumpet part gave the piece a spirited and energetic feel.'

A tempo marking for a very slow and broad tempo. In context: 'The largo section allowed the brass to shine with broad, expansive melodies.'

A musical term indicating that a note should be sustained for its full value, or slightly longer. In context: 'With each note tenuto, the melody line in the cello sang with a deep resonance.'

A gradual decrease in tempo; similar to ritardando but often implying a more gradual deceleration. In context: 'The rallentando towards the end of the piece was like musical breathing, slowly bringing it to a close.'

The quality or color of a musical sound that distinguishes different types of sound production, such as voices and musical instruments. In context: 'The unique timbre of the oboe made it ideal for the solo passage in the symphony.'

A tempo marking signifying fast, lively speed. In context: 'The symphony started with an allegro movement that set an energetic tone for the piece.'

Italian for 'again', used as a directive to repeat a performance. In context: 'The audience was so moved by the performance that they called out 'ancora!' demanding an encore.'

A tempo marking indicating a moderate pace. In context: 'The moderato movement provided a contrast between the faster first movement and the slower third.'

A musical notation indicating that a note should be held longer than its normal duration. In context: 'The fermata over the final chord allowed the sound to resonate in the concert hall.'

A sudden, strong emphasis on a note or chord. In context: 'The sforzando in the cello part startled the audience with its intensity.'

A musical term indicating that the music should be played in a sustained or prolonged manner. In context: 'The pianist's use of the sostenuto pedal allowed the chords to linger and blend beautifully.'

An Italian term meaning 'from the head,' which directs the musician to repeat from the beginning of the piece. In context: 'After reaching the final bar, the da capo instruction signaled the players to return to the start.'

A tempo marking indicating a very slow pace. In context: 'The lento passage exuded a somber and reflective mood through its unhurried pace.'

An Italian musical term meaning 'less', often used in conjunction with other terms, as in 'meno mosso' (less movement). In context: 'The meno mosso section provided a contrast with its relaxed pace and softer dynamics.'

An Italian musical term meaning 'very.' When used with other terms, it intensifies their meaning. In context: 'The score indicated 'molto allegro', urging the musicians to play very fast.'

A rapid, light, playful piece, typically the third movement in a symphony. In context: 'The scherzo moved at a brisk pace, with light-hearted melodies dancing throughout the orchestra.'

A tempo marking and mood indicating a very slow and solemn pace. In context: 'The grave introduction to the requiem set a somber tone for the composition.'

A playing technique where strings are plucked with fingers instead of being bowed. In context: 'The violins switched to pizzicato to give the section a light, plucky sound.'

A small stick that the conductor uses to lead the orchestra or choir. In context: 'With her baton in hand, the conductor gave the downbeat that initiated the concert.'

A smooth and connected style of playing or singing, without noticeable breaks between notes. In context: 'The violin section played with a gorgeous legato, ensuring each note flowed seamlessly into the next.'

A musical dynamic marking indicating to play softly. In context: 'The pianissimo chords allowed the soloist to shine over the gentle accompaniment.'

A gradual decrease in tempo. In context: 'The music flowed smoothly into the ritardando, naturally slowing before the end of the piece.'

To change the pitch or key of a piece of music. In context: 'The horn parts were transposed to fit the range of the instrument.'

An Italian musical directive meaning 'with motion' or 'with movement'. In context: 'The piece progressed con moto, imbuing it with an undercurrent of driving energy.'

A written representation of the music that shows all the parts for the instruments and voices involved. In context: 'The conductor studied the score to fully understand the composer's intentions.'

An improvised or written-out ornamental passage played or sung by a soloist, often allowing for virtuosic display. In context: 'The concerto featured a cadenza that gave the pianist a chance to showcase technical prowess.'

A dynamic marking meaning very loud. In context: 'The orchestra played fortissimo during the climax, producing a breathtaking sound.'

A gradual decrease in loudness or intensity. In context: 'After the powerful statement, the diminuendo brought a sense of calm.'

A musical dynamic marking indicating very softly. In context: 'The delicate pianissimo in the strings created a hushed atmosphere.'

A tempo marking indicating a very fast speed. In context: 'The finale of the piece concluded with a thrilling presto that left the audience breathless.'

A compositional technique characterized by the systematic imitation and development of a main theme (called the 'subject') throughout the piece. In context: 'The fugue in the composer's symphony displayed intricate counterpoint and thematic development.'

A gradual increase in loudness or intensity. In context: 'The orchestral crescendo built up to the climax of the movement.'

The art of arranging a musical composition for performance by an orchestra. In context: 'Ravel's orchestration of Mussorgsky's 'Pictures at an Exhibition' is famous for its color and clarity.'

The manner in which notes are executed, including their attack, length, and dynamics. In context: 'The composer's precise articulation markings ensured a unified performance from the orchestra.'

An honorific title of respect given to a master musician, especially a conductor. In context: 'The orchestra members trusted their maestro to lead them through the challenging symphony.'

A dynamic marking indicating to play loudly. In context: 'The sudden forte in the brass section created a powerful impact.'

An introductory music piece typically for an opera, ballet, or play, and can also stand alone as a concert piece. In context: 'The overture set the tone for the opera with its dramatic and thematic material.'

A tempo marking indicating a moderately slow or walking pace. In context: 'The andante tempo was perfect for the lyrical second movement of the concerto.'