Musical terms. List of the most famous musical terms

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

The world of music is multifaceted, several main directions form the basis of the entire musical culture. Classical, symphony, blues, jazz, pop, rock and roll, folk, country - there are different genres and styles to suit every taste and every mood.

Origination

Music as an art originated at the beginning of the sixteenth century, when the first bowed and plucked instruments appeared. Much earlier, primitive pipes, horns and pipes were invented, which were made from reeds, animal horns and other improvised means. In the seventeenth century, musical culture was already developing at a rapid pace: more and more instruments appeared, musicians began to unite in groups, duets, trios, quartets, and later in orchestras.

Notation of music

Notation of music appeared before musical instruments, since singing, the art of vocals required some kind of system, the ability to write down invented melodies on paper and only then perform them. This is how the musical staff and the well-known seven notes appeared. By adding notes in a certain order, it was possible to getmelody, compositionally uncomplicated, since there were no semitones. Then sharp and flat appeared, which immediately expanded the possibilities of the composer. All this concerns the performing skills of musicians who adhere to the theoretical foundations in music. But there are many masters who play only by ear, they are not familiar with music theory, they do not need it. These musicians include blues and country musicians. A few memorized chords on the guitar or piano, and the rest is done by natural talent. Nevertheless, these musicians are familiar with the terms that are directly related to their art, but only superficially.

The appearance of musical terms

In order not to get confused in the styles and directions of music, various instruments and devices, musical terms were invented. Gradually, everything related to music got its name. And since music originated in Italy, almost all musical terms were adopted in Italian and in its transcription. Some song titles are written in French or Latin, depending on their origin. Italian musical terms reflect only the general picture and can be replaced in some cases by other names that are similar in meaning.

Italian origins

Music is a vast layer of world culture that requires a serious systematic approach. Musical terms were approved at the level of linguistic committees of the leading European countries, including Italy, and thusreceived official status. The administration of musical institutions around the world is based on the use of terms in accordance with their application - reference books and manuals have been created for this.

Famous terms

The most famous musical term is "treble clef", everyone knows it. The value of the most popular names is difficult to overestimate, there is a kind of axiom in their spelling, the same thing happens when we hear a well-known phrase. For example, the most musical term is, of course, "jazz". For many, it is associated with Negro rhythms and exotic variations.

Names and classification

It is impossible to unambiguously define the most famous musical term. The name "symphony", a synonym for classical music, can be attributed to this category. When we hear this word, an orchestra appears before our eyes on the stage, violins and cellos, music stands with notes and a conductor in a tailcoat. Musical concepts and terms help to comprehend what is happening in the concert hall and to better understand the essence of the work. A sophisticated audience attending Philharmonic concerts will never confuse adagio with andante, as each term has its own definition.

Fundamental terms in music

Let's present to your attention the most famous musical terms. The list includes titles such as:

• Arpeggio - the alternation of the notes of a chord in sequence, when the sounds line up one after the other.
• Aria –a vocal work, part of an opera, performed with orchestra accompaniment.
• Variations - an instrumental piece or fragments of it, performed with various complications.
• Gamma - alternation of notes in a certain order, but without mixing, up or down to an octave repetition.
• Range - the interval between the lowest and highest sound of an instrument or voice.
• Sound string - sounds arranged in a row in height, similar to the scale. The scale may be present in musical works or in their fragments.
• Cantata - a work for concert performance by an orchestra, soloists or choir.
• Clavier is an arrangement of a symphony or an opera for interpretation on the piano or for singing with piano accompaniment.
• Opera is the most important musical genre, connecting drama and music, music and ballet.
• Prelude - an introduction before the main piece of music. Can be used as an independent form for a small piece.
• Romance is a piece for vocal performance with accompaniment. Differs in a romantic mood, melodiousness.
• Rondo - repetition of the main theme of the work with the inclusion of other accompanying episodes between refrains.
• Symphony is a work performed by an orchestra in four movements. Based on the principles of sonata form.
• Sonata is an instrumental work of complex form from several parts, one of which dominates.
• Suite is a piece of music consisting of several parts, different in content and contrasting with each other.other.
• Overture - an introduction to the work, briefly revealing the main content. Orchestral overtures are usually a piece of music in their own right.
• Piano is a unifying name for instruments that act on the principle of hitting a hammer on a string with a key.
• Chromatic gamma - a gamma of semitones, formed by filling intermediate semitones of large seconds.
• Vaktura is a way of expressing music. Main types: piano, vocal, choral, orchestral and instrumental.
• Tonality is a characteristic of a fret in height. Tonality is distinguished by key accidentals that determine the composition of sounds.
• Third is a three-step interval. Major third - two tones, minor - one and a half tones.
• Solfeggio - classes based on the principle of tutoring with the aim of developing an ear for music and its further development.
• Scherzo is a musical sketch of a light, playful nature. May be included in a major piece of music as an integral part of it. It can also be a standalone piece of music.

The musical term "allegro"

Some tricks are widespread. An example is the musical term "allegro" (allegro) - "fast", "fun", "expressive". It immediately becomes clear that the work contains major expression. In addition, the musical term "allegro" denotes unusual, and sometimesthe festivity of what is happening. The style that is characterized by this concept seems to be the most life-affirming. Only in rare cases, the musical term "allegro" denotes a calm and measured development of the plot, performance or opera. But even in this case, the overall tone of the work is cheerful and expressive.

Terms defining style and genres of music

Names are divided into several categories. Tempo, rhythm or speed of performance define certain musical terms. Symbol list:

• Adagio (adagio) - calmly, slowly.
• Adgitato (adgitato) - excited, excited, impulsive.
• Andante (andante) - measuredly, slowly, thoughtfully.
• Appassionato (appassionato) - lively, with passion.
• Accelerando (accelerando) - increasing the pace, accelerating.
• Kalyando (calando) - with fading, reducing speed and reducing pressure.
• Cantabile (cantabile) - melodious, chanting, with feeling.
• Con dolcherezza (con dolcherezza) - softly, with tenderness.
• Con forza (con forza) - with force, assertively.
• Decrescendo (decrescendo) - gradually decreasing the strength of the sound.
• Dolce (dolce) - gently, with sweetness, softly.
• Doloroso (doloroso) - with sadness, plaintively, with despair.
• Forte (forte) - loudly, with force.
• Fortissimo (fortissimo) - very strong and loud, thunderous.
• Largo (largo) - widely, freely, slowly.
• Legato (legato) - smoothly, calmly, serenely.
• Lento (lento) - slowly, slowing down even more.
• Legiero (legiero) - easy, smooth, mindless.
• Maestoso (maestoso) - majestically, solemnly.
• Misterioso (misterioso) - quiet, mysterious.
• Moderato (moderato) - moderately, with arrangement, slowly.
• Piano (piano) - quietly, quietly.
• Pianissimo (pianissimo) - very quiet, muffled.
• Presto (presto) - fast, intense.
• Sempre (sempre) - permanently, without changing.
• Spirituoso (spirituozo) - spiritually, with feeling.
• Staccato (staccato) - abruptly.
• Vivace - lively, soon, non-stop.
• Vivo (vivo) - pace, the average between presto and allegro.

Technical terminology

• Treble clef is a special icon placed at the beginning of the musical scale, indicating that the note of the first octave "G" is on the second line of the stave.
• The bass clef is an icon confirming the location of the note "fa" of a small octave on the fourth line of the stave.
• Bekar - an icon indicating the cancellation of the signs "flat" and "sharp". It is an accidental sign.
• Sharp - an icon that indicates a semitone increase in sound. It is an accidental sign.
• Flat - an icon that lowers the sound by a semitone. It is an accidental sign.
• Double-sharp - an icon indicating an increase in sound by two semitones, a whole tone. It is an accidental sign.
• Double-flat –an icon denoting a decrease in sound by two semitones, a whole tone. It is an accidental sign.
• Zack is an incomplete measure that gives rise to a piece of music.
• Signs abbreviating musical notation serve to simplify musical notation if it is extensive. The most common: tremolo, reprise mark, melismatic marks.
• Quintole - a form of five notes, replacing the usual group of four notes, the designation is the number 5, under or above the notes.
• Key - an icon that indicates the place of sound recording on the musical ruler in relation to other sounds.
• Key signs are accidentals placed next to the key.
• Note - an icon placed on one of the lines of the stave or between them, indicating the pitch and duration of the sound.
• Note staff - five parallel lines for placing notes. Notes are arranged from bottom to top.
• Score is a musical notation, separate for each participant in the performance of a work, taking into account the compatibility of voices and instruments.
• Reprise - an icon indicating the repetition of any part of the work. Repeat fragment with some changes.
• Step - designation of the order of arrangement of the sounds of the fret, indicated by Roman numerals.

Musical terms for all time

Musical terminology is the foundation of contemporary performing arts. Without terms, it is impossible to write down notes, and without notes, a professional musician or singer will not be able to play or sing. The terms are academic - they do not change with time and do not become a thing of the past. Invented over three hundred years ago, they are still relevant.