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obbligato

A term for an instrumental part that is essential to a composition, second in importance only to the principal melody. read more

octave

The interval between two notes of the same name, semitones (an octave) apart. read more

octave species (sing, and pl.)

Arrangement of INTERVALS, such as whole tones and semitones, in an octave. read more

octave species (sing. and pl.)

Arrangement of INTERVAL, such as whole tonesv and semitones, in an octave. read more

octet

A work for eight performers. read more

ode

In ancient Greece a sung celebratory poem; in the seventh and eighteenth centimes, a cantata-like work celebrating events, birthdays etc. read more

Office

The eight daily services (apart from Mass) of the Roman Catholic church. read more

opera (operatic) (It. "work")

A drama set to music. read more

opera buffa (It. "comical opera")

Italian eighteenth-century comic opera. read more

opéra comique

French opera, normally with spoken dialogue (not just "comic opera" and not necessarily comic at all). read more

opera seria (It. "serious opera")

Italian eighteenth-century opera on a heroic or tragic subject. read more

operetta

Light opera with spoken dialogue, songs and dances. read more

opus (Lat.l "work"; pl. opera)

The Latin word for "work", used with a number to identify a work in a composer's output. read more

oratorio

An extended setting of a text on a religious topic for soloist, chorus and orchestra. read more

oratorio volgare

ORATORIO on vernacular (Italian) text. read more

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