AP Music Theory A2

allemande

"German," a stately 16th century German dance, initially in a moderate duple meter. In 17th & 18th centuries it was usually the first movement of a suite, and by the 19 th century a brisk dance in 3/4

al segno

return to the sign (also dal segno)

altissimo

"most high," the highest notes; the octave above alt.

alto

"high," the lowest female singing and highest male singing voice

andante

"going," a moderate, graceful tempo, between allegretto and adagio

animato, animoso

animated, energetic, spirited

Antiphonal

alternating singing or playing by separate groups or performers

appasionato

passionately

appenato

distressed, grieved

appoggiando

"leaning," emphasized

aria

An air or song for solo voice within an opera or oratorio

aria buffa

a humorous or comic song/aria

arietta

a short aria

arpeggio

the notes of a chord played in succession to one another, rather than simultaneously; a broken chord

Articulation

the degree to which notes are separated or connected; how notes are played

art song

A serious vocal composition, generally for voice and piano. A self contained work (in contrast with an aria)

assai

very, extremely

assez

enough

a tempo

return to the original tempo

atonal

music lacking a tonal or key center

attaca

go on, proceed to the next section without pause; segue

Augmentation

Lengthen the duration of the notes of the melody or theme