Basic Conducting Vocabulary BC

Hautbois

Oboe

Cor anglais

English Horn

Cor

Horn

Orgue

Organ

Violon

violin

Alto

viola

Contrebasse

double bass

Claquebois

Xylophone

Caisse claire

snare drum

Grosse caisse

bass drum

Timbales

timpani

Timbales cubaines

Timbales

Jeu de timbres

Orchestra bells

Flöte

flute

Englisches Horn

English Horn

Klarinette

clarinet

Saxophon

saxophone

Fagott

bassoon

Trompette

trumpet

Posaune

trombone

Geige

violin

Bratsche

viola

Kontrabass

double bass

Becken

cymbals

kleine Trommel

snare drum

grosse Trommel

bass drum

Pauken

timpani

Klavier

piano

Flauto

flute

Corno Inglese

English Horn

Clarinetto

clarinet

Sassofono

saxophone

Fagotto

bassoon

Corno

horn

Tromba

trumpet

Eufonio/Baritono

euphonium/baritone

Violino

violin

Violoncello

cello

Contrabasso

double bass

Piatti

cymbals

Tamburo piccolo

snare drum

Gran cassa

bass drum

Campane

Chimes

Marcato

Marked, Accented

Meno

Less

Mezzo

Half

Piu

More. Most often seen with mosso (motion), meaning more motion.

Subito

Suddenly.

Tutti

The whole ensemble, everybody.

Con

With

Senza

Without

Sordino

Mute

Morendo

Dying away.

A due (a2)

To be played by both, as by first and second flute.

Largo

(40-60 bpm), Very slow and broad

Larghetto

(60-66 bpm), A tempo slightly faster than Largo

Adagio

(66-76 bpm), A slow tempo, slower than Andante but faster than Largo

Andante

(76-108 bpm), [literally “walking” in Italian], moderately slow

Allegretto

(108-120 bpm), Slightly less fast than Allegro. Often implying a lighter texture or character

Allegro

(120-168 bpm), Fast

Presto

(168-200 bpm), Very fast

Prestissimo

(200-208 bpm), As fast as possible

Accelerando

Gradually increasing the tempo

Ad libitum

At liberty; take time, permit liberties here.

Affretando

Excitedly, increasing the tempo.

A punto

Exactly in rhythm.

Rubato

Varying the note values within the rhythm, not strictly as written.

Stretto

Condensing, accelerating the tempo.

Stringendo

Accelerating the tempo.

Ritardando

Becoming gradually slower. (rit.)

Ritenuto

Held back. Becoming slower immediately. (ritten.)

L’istesso tempo

The same tempo.