Italian Musical Terms Used in English

Italian Musical Terms Used In English

A great many musical terms are in Italian. This is because many of the most important early composers from the Renaissance to the Baroque period were Italian, and that period is when numerous musical indications were used extensively for the first time. (See also sheet music.)

Here are some of these expressions:


Italian term Literal translation Definition

Read more about Italian Musical Terms Used In English:  Musical Forms, Musical Instruments, Voices, Tempo, Dynamics - Volume, Moods, Musical Expression (general), Directions, Techniques, Roles, Criticism, Musical Direction

Famous quotes containing the words italian, musical, terms and/or english:

    The French courage proceeds from vanity—the German from phlegm—the Turkish from fanaticism & opium—the Spanish from pride—the English from coolness—the Dutch from obstinacy—the Russian from insensibility—but the Italian from anger.
    George Gordon Noel Byron (1788–1824)

    That vast moth-eaten musical brocade
    Created to pretend we never die ...
    Philip Larkin (1922–1986)

    The research on gender and morality shows that women and men looked at the world through very different moral frameworks. Men tend to think in terms of “justice” or absolute “right and wrong,” while women define morality through the filter of how relationships will be affected. Given these basic differences, why would men and women suddenly agree about disciplining children?
    Ron Taffel (20th century)

    The English winter—ending in July,
    To recommence in August.
    George Gordon Noel Byron (1788–1824)