An arpeggio is a musical technique where the notes of a chord are played in sequence, one after another, rather than simultaneously. It is often played in an ascending or descending order, creating a flowing, broken chord effect. For example, if a chord consists of the notes C, E, and G, an arpeggio would involve playing these notes individually in a smooth, connected manner. Arpeggios are commonly used in various musical styles to add texture and movement to a piece.

What is an "arpeggio"?

arpeggio

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atonality

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Counterpoint is a musical technique where two or more independent melodies are played or sung together in harmony. Each melody, or voice, has its own distinct line but is carefully crafted to complement the others. The goal of counterpoint is to create a rich, complex texture where the melodies interact harmoniously, adding depth and interest to the music.

What is "counterpoint"?

counterpoint

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A libretto is the text or script of an opera, operetta, or musical. It includes all the words that are sung or spoken during the performance, including the dialogue, lyrics, and stage directions. The libretto is written by a librettist, who collaborates with the composer to create the story and structure of the musical work. It provides the narrative framework and helps guide the music, ensuring that the story is conveyed effectively through both words and music.

What is a "libretto"?

libretto

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A rendition is a performance or interpretation of a musical piece, theatrical role, or other artistic work, in which an artist presents their own expression, style, or understanding of the material, conveying its emotional, technical, or aesthetic qualities to an audience.

What is a "rendition"?

rendition

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A cadenza is a solo passage in a musical composition, typically found near the end of a movement, where the performer showcases their technical skill and interpretative abilities. It is often played without accompaniment or with minimal accompaniment, allowing the performer to display their exceptional skill and personal style. In classical music, a cadenza may be written by the composer or improvised by the performer, and it adds an element of brilliance and expressiveness to the performance.

What is a "cadenza"?

cadenza

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A chaconne is a musical composition characterized by a series of variations over a repeated chord progression or bass line. Originating in the Baroque period, it is typically written in a triple meter. The chaconne often features a continuous development of musical ideas, with each variation building on the previous one, creating a rich and intricate texture of sound. It can be found as a standalone piece or as a movement within larger works, such as suites or sonatas.

What is a "chaconne"?

chaconne

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A ditty is a short and simple song or poem, often characterized by a catchy melody or playful rhythm. It typically features straightforward and easy-to-remember lyrics, making it suitable for light-hearted or humorous content. Ditties are usually brief and designed to be memorable, often serving as a means of entertainment or conveying simple messages in a charming and accessible way.

What is a "ditty"?

ditty

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A rhapsody is a musical composition characterized by its free-form structure and expressive, often improvisational style. It typically combines different musical themes or moods into a single, cohesive piece, allowing for a wide range of emotions and dynamic contrasts. Rhapsodies are known for their flexibility and creativity, often featuring dramatic changes in tempo and character. They can be written for various instruments or ensembles and are designed to showcase the composer’s imagination and emotional depth.

What is a "rhapsody"?

rhapsody

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A repertoire is the collection of works or pieces that a performer, group, or company is prepared to present. This can include a range of songs, musical pieces, plays, dance routines, or other performance types that they can perform from memory or have rehearsed. A repertoire showcases the variety of material an artist or ensemble is capable of delivering, reflecting their skills and style.

What is a "repertoire"?

repertoire

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Treble refers to the highest part of the vocal range or musical pitch. It includes the higher notes typically sung by female vocalists or boys whose voices have not yet changed. In music, treble can also describe the higher frequency range of sound, emphasizing the upper pitches. A treble voice is known for its bright, clear tone and is often used for roles that require reaching high notes and delivering a light, agile sound.

What is "treble"?

treble

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A clef is a musical symbol placed at the beginning of the staff to indicate which pitches correspond to the lines and spaces. It helps musicians read and play music by defining the range of notes for a particular staff. The most common clefs are the treble clef, which is used for higher-pitched notes, and the bass clef, which is used for lower-pitched notes. Other clefs, such as the alto and tenor clefs, are used for specific ranges and instruments. The clef ensures that the notes written on the staff are interpreted correctly by showing their specific pitch.

What is a "clef"?

clef

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A crossover refers to the blending or merging of different musical genres or styles. This can involve combining elements from various genres, such as rock and classical, jazz and pop, or hip-hop and electronic. The result is a unique sound that appeals to audiences from multiple musical backgrounds, broadening the appeal of the music and often attracting listeners from different fan bases.

What is a "crossover"?

crossover

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Lo-fi, short for low fidelity, refers to a style of music characterized by its intentionally rough or unpolished sound quality. This genre often features imperfections, such as background noise, distortion, or tape hiss, which are embraced as part of its aesthetic. Lo-fi music is typically relaxed and mellow, creating a nostalgic or intimate atmosphere that appeals to listeners who appreciate its raw and authentic qualities.

What is "lo-fi"?

lo-fi

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Solfege is a singing method that uses a set of syllables to represent different musical pitches. This system helps singers learn to read music and improve their listening skills. By associating specific syllables with specific notes, solfege makes it easier to sight-sing new pieces and train the ear to recognize different tones and intervals.

What is "solfege"?

solfege

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A riff is a short, memorable sequence of notes or chords that is repeated throughout a piece of music. It is often used in genres like rock, jazz, and funk to create a catchy or recognizable musical hook. Riffs can be melodic or rhythmic and help to establish the groove or character of a song. They are typically played by instruments like guitars or keyboards and can serve as a foundation for the rest of the music.

What is a "riff"?

riff

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An ensemble is a group of musicians who perform together as a unit. This can range from small groups, like a string quartet or jazz band, to larger groups, such as orchestras or choirs. The members of an ensemble work together to create a cohesive sound, with each player contributing their part to achieve a unified musical performance.

What is an "ensemble"?

ensemble

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A fanfare is a short, lively, and often loud musical passage typically played by brass instruments, sometimes accompanied by percussion. It is designed to announce or celebrate an event, such as a formal ceremony, arrival, or important occasion. Fanfare pieces are usually characterized by their bright, bold, and attention-grabbing sound, intended to draw attention and create a sense of excitement or grandeur.

What is a "fanfare"?

fanfare

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A metronome is a device used by musicians to keep a steady beat or tempo while practicing. It produces regular, audible clicks or beeps at a set rate, which helps performers stay in time with the rhythm of a piece. The tempo can usually be adjusted to match the speed of the music being practiced.

What is a "metronome"?

metronome

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Spiccato is a bowing technique used on string instruments, such as the violin or cello, where the bow bounces lightly off the strings. This creates a short, detached sound with a crisp, articulated quality. Spiccato is often used to add rhythmic clarity and dynamic expression to the music, particularly in fast passages or lively sections.

What is "spiccato"?

spiccato

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orchestra pit

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Fingering refers to the specific way in which a musician uses their fingers to play notes or chords on a musical instrument. This term is commonly used for instruments such as piano, guitar, or woodwind instruments. Fingering involves choosing which fingers to use and where to place them on the instrument to achieve the desired notes or sounds. Proper fingering is crucial for playing efficiently and producing accurate and smooth musical passages.

What is "fingering"?

fingering

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Outsider music refers to music created by individuals who are often self-taught or operate outside the mainstream music industry. This genre is characterized by its unconventional approach, unique sound, and personal expression. The creators of outsider music may have little formal training or follow non-traditional methods, resulting in distinctive and original works that do not fit neatly into established musical categories.

What is "outsider music"?

outsider music

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euphony

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A virtuoso is a highly skilled musician known for their exceptional technical ability and artistry. Virtuosos often excel in their instrument or vocal performance, showcasing remarkable precision, speed, and creativity. Their expertise and command over their craft allow them to perform complex and challenging pieces with impressive ease and expressiveness. Virtuosos are frequently recognized for their outstanding contributions to music and their ability to captivate audiences with their extraordinary performances.

Who is a "virtuoso"?

virtuoso

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A fugue is a type of musical composition characterized by the systematic repetition and development of a main theme, called the "subject". In a fugue, the subject is introduced by one voice or instrument and then imitated and elaborated upon by others in a series of overlapping entries. This intricate process creates a complex and interwoven texture. Fugues often have multiple voices or parts, each contributing to the development of the theme in a structured and counterpoint-rich manner.

What is a "fugue"?

fugue

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An overture is an instrumental piece of music that is played at the beginning of an opera, ballet, oratorio, or other large musical work. It introduces the themes and mood of the work, setting the stage for what is to come. The overture often includes melodies and motifs that will be heard later in the performance, giving the audience a preview of the music and helping to create anticipation for the main event.

What is an "overture"?

overture

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A coda is a concluding section added to the end of a musical composition or movement. It serves to bring the piece to a finish, often by revisiting themes or ideas from earlier in the music and providing a final resolution. The coda is typically distinct from the main sections and can be shorter or more elaborate, depending on the piece. It helps to give a sense of closure and completeness to the composition.

What is a "coda"?

coda

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Here you will learn all the essential words for talking about Music, collected specifically for level C2 learners.

English Words for "Music" | C2 Vocabulary