music basics

from ch. 1

largo

very slow

adagio

slow

andante

moderately slow; at a walking pace

moderato

moderate

allegro

quick and lively

vivace

fast and full of life

presto

very fast (fastest)

molto

more of

accelerando

to get gradually faster (accelerate)

rallentando/ritardo

to get gradually slower

piano (p)

soft

pianissimo (pp)

very soft

mezzo-piano (mp)

medium soft

forte (f)

loudest

fortissimo (ff)

very loud

mezzo-forte (mf)

medium loud

crescendo

to get gradually louder

decrescendo/diminuendo

to get gradually softer

soprano

highest female voice type

mezzo-soprano

middle female voice type

alto

deepest female voice type

countertenor

highest male voice type

tenor

highest natural male voice type

baritone

most common male voice type; between tenor and bass

bass

deepest and lowest male voice type

a tempo

back to original speed

sforzando (sfz)

a sudden flash of loudness

fortepiano (fp)

start loud, gradually get slower

monophonic

A single melodic line with absolutely no harmonic accompaniment or underlying chords.

homophonic

A dominant melody supported by an accompaniment or chords moving together.

polyphonic

Two or more independent melodies occurring at the exact same time.