C2 Level Wordlist - Music

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

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arpeggio [noun]

a musical technique where the notes of a chord are played individually in a sequence rather than simultaneously

Ex: During the guitar solo , the musician skillfully executed a rapid arpeggio , adding a dynamic and expressive element to the performance .

atonality [noun]

the quality that marks the absence of a key in a musical composition

Ex: The atonality in the soundtrack perfectly complemented the film 's unsettling and surreal atmosphere .

counterpoint [noun]

a musical composition in which two or more independent melodies are played or sung simultaneously, creating harmony and interplay

Ex: Mastering counterpoint is essential for classical composition .

libretto [noun]

the text of a musical play, an opera, or other extended vocal works

Ex: The opera 's success was largely due to its compelling libretto , which told a dramatic and emotionally resonant story .

rendition [noun]

a performance of a musical composition, dramatic role, or other artistic work

Ex: The band 's rendition of the national anthem brought the audience to its feet .

cadenza [noun]

a solo section at the end of a musical piece for the performer to show their skill and creativity

Ex: The pianist 's cadenza in the concerto was an extraordinary display of technical prowess and expressive depth .

chaconne [noun]

a musical composition in moderate triple time, popular in the baroque era

Ex: She practiced the chaconne diligently , focusing on mastering the repeating bass line and the elaborate variations that defined the piece .

ditty [noun]

a short and simple song or poem

Ex: She hummed a catchy ditty while she worked , finding solace in the simple joy of melody amid the day 's tasks .

rhapsody [noun]

an instrumental composition marked with irregular form and improvisation, expressing strong emotions

Ex: The pianist performed Rachmaninoff 's " Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini " with virtuosic flair , captivating the audience with its lyrical melodies and dazzling technique .

repertoire [noun]

a stock of plays, songs, dances, etc. that a company or a performer is prepared to perform

Ex: The rock band expanded their repertoire with each album , exploring new genres and pushing the boundaries of their musical style .

treble [noun]

the part in harmonic music or the voice with the highest pitch that belongs to a boy or female vocalist

Ex:

clef [noun]

any of the signs written on the left-hand end of a staff indicating the pitch of the notes

Ex:

crossover [noun]

the process of changing the style or form by a musician in order to appeal to a wider range of people

Ex: The classical violinist 's crossover performance with a rock band brought a fresh and unexpected energy to the concert stage .

lo-fi [noun]

a raw, unpolished, and low-fidelity music production or recording style characterized by a DIY aesthetic and nostalgic or vintage vibes

Ex: The artist released a series of lo-fi tracks on SoundCloud , showcasing their talent for crafting mellow and atmospheric beats .

solfege [noun]

a singing method that uses a system of vocal syllables to represent musical pitches in order to facilitate sight-singing and ear training

Ex: Teachers often use solfege to teach students how to sight-read music .

riff [noun]

a short, repeated musical pattern found in both jazz and popular music, serving as a prominent and recognizable element within a song or composition

Ex: The DJ sampled a famous hip-hop riff in their remix .

ensemble [noun]

a collective of musicians performing together

Ex: The concert was elevated by the harmonious blend of voices in the choir ensemble .

fanfare [noun]

a short and lively ceremonial sounding of trumpets or other brass instruments, usually to announce something important

Ex: The marching band rehearsed their fanfare for the upcoming competition , focusing on precision and unity of sound .

metronome [noun]

a device that helps musicians regulate their desired speed and rhythm

Ex: As the guitarist strummed , the steady clicking of the metronome helped him maintain a perfect rhythm .

spiccato [noun]

a technique in music for string instruments where the bow bounces lightly off the strings, creating short, crisp notes

Ex: During the rehearsal , the violist worked on perfecting their spiccato technique .

orchestra pit [noun]

the place in front of the stage, which is slightly lower, where an orchestra sits and performs for an opera, ballet, etc.

Ex: The actor could hear the faint sounds of the orchestra pit as they waited backstage for their cue .

fingering [noun]

the act of positioning and using fingers on an instrument to play specific notes or chords

Ex: Proper fingering is crucial for beginners learning to play the flute .

outsider music [noun]

unconventional, experimental, and non-mainstream music created by individuals who do not conform to established musical conventions or industry expectations

Ex: Critics sometimes dismiss outsider music as amateurish , but its authenticity and originality can be profoundly moving .

euphony [noun]

a harmonious combination of sounds that is pleasing to the ear

Ex: The poet 's use of euphony in her verses created a melodious and soothing effect that captivated her readers .

virtuoso [noun]

someone who is highly skilled at playing a musical instrument

Ex: The concert featured a guitar virtuoso whose rapid fingerwork and intricate melodies showcased his exceptional talent .

fugue [noun]

a classical piece of music with one or two simple repeated themes that develop into a polyphonic pattern which is more sophisticated

Ex: The composer introduced the main theme , which was then ingeniously developed through the intricate structure of the fugue .

overture [noun]

the introductory piece of an opera, ballet, oratorio or any lengthy musical performance

Ex: The composer 's overture beautifully encapsulated the themes of the entire symphony , serving as an engaging introduction for the listeners .

coda [noun]

the final passage of an extended musical composition

Ex: As the orchestra reached the coda , the conductor emphasized the dynamics , guiding the musicians to a thrilling and emphatic finish .

C2 Level Wordlist
Size and Magnitude	Weight and Stability	Quantity	Intensity
Pace	Shapes	Importance and Essentiality	Commonness and Uniqueness
Difficulty and Challenge	Price and Luxuriousness	Quality	Success and Wealth
Failure and Poverty	Body Shape	Age and Appearance	Comprehension and Intelligence
Personal Traits	Emotional States	Trigerring Emotions	Feelings
Relationship Dynamics and Connections	Social and Moral Behaviors	Tastes and Smells	Sounds
Textures	Thoughts and Decisions	Complaint and Criticism	Harmony and Discord
Communication and Discussion	Body Language and Emotional Actions	Order and Permission	Advice and Influence
Honor and Admiration	Request and Answer	Attempt and Prevention	Changing and Forming
Movements	Preparing Food	Food and Drinks	Natural Environment
Animals	Weather and Temperature	Disaster and Pollution	Work Environment
Occupations	Accommodation	Transportation	Tourism and Migration
Hobbies and Routines	Sports	Arts	Cinema and Theater
Literature	Music	Clothes and Fashion	Architecture
History	Culture and Custom	Society	Religion
Philosophy	Linguistics	Politics	Law
Crime	Punishment	War and Army	Government
Education	Media	Technology and Internet	Marketing and Advertisement
Shopping	Business and Management	Finance	Scientific Fields and Studies
Medicine	Health Condition	Recovery and Treatment	Human Body
Psychology	Biology	Chemistry	Physics
Astronomy	Mathematics	Geology	Engineering
Measurement