Explore tens of thousands of sets crafted by our community.
Musical Terms 101
51
Flashcards
0/51
Allegro
A fast, lively tempo.
Forte
A dynamic marking indicating to play loud or strong.
Crescendo
Gradually increasing in volume.
Staccato
Notes played in a detached, separated manner.
Adagio
A tempo marking indicating slow and leisurely pace.
Legato
Smooth and connected style of playing.
Da Capo (D.C.)
From the beginning; an indication to repeat from the start of the piece.
Diminuendo
Gradually decreasing in volume.
Sforzando (sfz)
A sudden, forceful accent.
Andante
A moderate walking tempo.
Fermata
To hold a note or rest longer than its normal duration.
Mezzo Forte
A dynamic marking indicating moderately loud.
Piano
A dynamic marking indicating to play softly or quietly.
Pizzicato
Plucking the strings of a string instrument rather than using the bow.
Fortissimo
A dynamic marking indicating very loud.
Pianissimo
A dynamic marking indicating very softly.
Ritardando
Gradually slowing down the tempo.
Accelerando
Gradually increasing the tempo.
Fine
The end of a piece or a section.
Glissando
A continuous slide upward or downward between two notes.
Largo
Very slow and broad tempo.
Molto
Very or much; typically used to augment another term.
Sostenuto
Sustained, or played in a manner that gives an elongated effect to the notes.
Vivace
A tempo marking indicating lively and fast.
Con Moto
With movement; a directive to play with motion or to move the music forward.
Marcato
Played with emphasis or marked accentuation.
Subito
Suddenly or immediately; often used to indicate an abrupt change.
Coda
The concluding passage of a piece or movement.
Trill
A musical ornament consisting of the rapid alternation between two adjacent notes.
Scherzando
Playful or joking; often found in music with a light or playful character.
Lento
A tempo marking indicating a slow pace.
Mezzo Piano
A dynamic marking indicating moderately soft.
Rallentando
Gradually slowing down the tempo; similar to ritardando.
Dolce
Sweetly and softly; often indicates a gentle, tender quality.
Presto
A very fast tempo.
Simile
In the same way; indicates the continuation of a technique or articulation.
Grave
Very slow and solemn tempo.
Da Capo al Fine
From the beginning to the end; indicates a repetition from the beginning of the piece up to the word 'Fine'.
Maestro
A title of respect used for a distinguished musician, typically a conductor or teacher.
Espressivo
Play with expression, conveying emotion or feeling.
Rubato
Flexible in tempo, involving subtle speeding up and slowing down of the music.
Piu
More, as in piu forte (louder) or piu lento (slower).
Tempo Primo
Return to the original tempo after a deviation.
Appoggiatura
A non-harmonic note that resolves into a harmonic note, creating a dissonant effect temporarily.
Dal Segno (D.S.)
From the sign; an indication to return to a marked place in the music.
Poco a Poco
Little by little; indicates a gradual change in tempo or dynamics.
Tenuto
To hold a note for its full value or slightly more; can indicate stress or emphasis.
Allegretto
A tempo mark slightly slower than Allegro but faster than Andante.
Cantabile
In a singing style; lyrical and flowing.
Meno
Less, as in meno mosso (less movement) or meno forte (less loud).
Pesante
Heavy and firm; indicates a weighty, solid manner of performance.
© Hypatia.Tech. 2024 All rights reserved.