| a1 |
the sixth note in the musical scale of C major. [1/3 definitions] |
| absolute pitch |
the exact pitch of a single musical tone as determined by its rate of vibrations as measured on a standard scale. [1/2 definitions] |
| accelerando |
gradually speeding up in tempo (used as a musical direction). |
| accompaniment |
part of a musical composition that is intended to support more central parts. [1/2 definitions] |
| accompanist |
one who provides a musical accompaniment, esp. on a piano. |
| accordion |
a musical instrument with a keyboard that is small enough to carry. An accordion is played by pressing the keys and squeezing the bellows to force air through metal reeds. |
| achromatic |
consisting of diatonic tones of the musical scale; without changes in pitch or key. [1/3 definitions] |
| acoustic |
able to make musical sounds without using electricity. [1/2 definitions] |
| adagio |
slowly (used as a musical direction). [1/4 definitions] |
| ad libitum |
at one's pleasure (used as a musical direction to indicate that a section so marked may be varied, improvised upon, or omitted, as the performer wishes, or as a stage direction to indicate that the performer may improvise). |
| aeolian harp |
a musical instrument consisting of an open box with gut strings stretched across it that produce rising and falling sounds when wind passes over them. |
| agitato |
quick and restless or excited in movement or style; agitated (used as a musical direction). |
| album |
a book with blank pages or empty pockets in which a collection can be placed. An album can hold photographs, stamps, or mementos. [1/2 definitions] |
| al fine |
to the finish (used as a musical direction to continue to the end of a repeated section). |
| allargando |
gradually slower and broader, with more weight or power (used as a musical direction). |
| allegretto |
light, graceful, and quick in tempo, but slower than allegro (used as a musical direction). [1/2 definitions] |
| allegro |
fast and brisk in tempo (used as a musical direction). [1/2 definitions] |
| alto |
a musical instrument having the second highest range in its family of instruments. [2/4 definitions] |
| alto clef |
in musical notation, a clef with middle C on the middle line of the staff, or the sign identifying this clef; viola clef. |
| andante |
moderately slow in tempo (used as a musical direction). [1/2 definitions] |
| andantino |
somewhat faster than andante in tempo (used as a musical direction). [1/2 definitions] |