One
of the most important things for musicians to know are the
definitions of musical terms. “Why?” You ask. The answer is
simple...understanding what the numerous symbols and Italian words
written on the page mean and implementing them in your playing will
shape the mood of the piece, in fact, without them the songs would be
absolutely “snoozefying”- as my good friend Julia says. Although
you can already find numerous sites that tell you the various
definitions to all of these words and symbols I have decided to
compile a list of them and their definitions for my (and I hope your)
benefit.
Accelerando-
Italian. It means to gradually get faster
Adagio-
Italian. It means slow
Adagietto-
Italian. A little faster that Adagio
Allegro-
Italian. Cheerful and lively
Andante-
Italian. A nice walking speed
Aria-
a melody sung or played by a voice or an instrument
Alla-
in the manner of (a lullaby, a lively dance etc...)
Allemande-
French. A dance in two parts-- the first part in baroque style and
the second part faster.
As I find more
and more words and their definitions I will try to add them in. I
hope this is helpful!
