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Musical Terms and Definitions
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Sforzando
A sudden, strong accent on a note or chord.
Marcato
Played with marked emphasis or accentuation.
Accelerando
A gradual speeding up of the tempo.
Con Moto
With movement; used to indicate a certain tempo or slightly quicker.
Molto
Very, much; used to emphasize another musical directive, as in 'molto allegro'.
Allegro
A fast, lively tempo.
Staccato
Notes played sharply and detached.
Rallentando
A gradual slowing down of the tempo.
Da Capo
Repeat from the beginning of the piece.
Adagio
A slow and leisurely tempo.
Ritardando
A gradual slowing down of the tempo.
Fine
The end of a piece or a section.
Con Brio
With spirit or vigor; implies energetic, enthusiastic playing.
Pizzicato
Plucking the strings of a string instrument with fingers.
Forte
To play loud or with strength.
Legato
To play notes smoothly and connected.
Fermata
A pause of unspecified length on a note or rest.
Crescendo
A gradual increase in volume.
Diminuendo
A gradual decrease in volume.
Maestoso
Majestically, with dignity and grandeur.
Dal Segno
Repeat from the sign (
Vivace
A lively and fast tempo.
Fortissimo
To play very loud, louder than forte.
Pianissimo
To play very softly, even softer than piano.
Arco
To play a string instrument with a bow.
Piano
To play softly or quietly.
Andante
A walking pace tempo, moderate speed.
Subito
Suddenly, immediately; indicates an abrupt change in dynamics or tempo.
Agitato
Agitated; implies a restless or anxious character.
Con Affetto
With affection or tenderness.
Mezzo Piano
Moderately soft; louder than pianissimo but softer than piano.
Largo
In a very slow tempo, broadly.
Lento
Slowly; a tempo marking slower than 'Andante' but not as slow as 'Largo'.
Espressivo
Expressive; to play with expression and emotion.
Tranquillo
Tranquil, calm, or peaceful.
Morendo
Dying away; both in tempo and volume.
Dolce
Sweetly and softly; often associated with a gentle, lyrical style.
Sostenuto
Sustained, to lengthen the duration of a note beyond its usual value.
Tenuto
Held; a note played for its full value, or slightly longer.
Mezzo Forte
Moderately loud; softer than forte but louder than piano.
Allargando
Broadening, becoming more stately and slower.
Animato
Animated, lively; to play with energy and spirit.
Glissando
A continuous slide upward or downward between two notes.
Pesante
Heavy, with emphasis and weight.
Cantabile
In a singing style, lyrical and flowing.
Senza
Without; used to indicate the omission of a usual part of the score.
Tremolo
A trembling or shaking effect, rapidly repeating the same note or alternating between two or more notes.
L'istesso Tempo
The same tempo; maintaining the tempo through a change in meter or rhythm.
Rubato
Robbed time; flexible tempo, stretching and compressing as needed for expressive purposes.
Tranquillo
Tranquil or calm; a directive to play quietly and peacefully.
Scherzando
Playful, joking; often light and brisk, sometimes with slight irony or in a teasing manner.
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