Home > Glossary > V

Glossary

OTHER | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

variation

A varied (elaborated, embellished etc.) version of a given theme or tune: hence theme and variegations. read more

verismo

An Italian term, meaning "realism", applied to some late nineteenth-century operas that feature violent emotions, local colour etc. read more

verismo (It. "realism")

An Italian term, meaning "realism", applied to some late nineteenth-century operas that feature violent emotions, local etc. read more

vernacular music

Popular, entertainment, and show music not intended for the concert hall. read more

verse

1 A stanza of a song. 2 In Anglican church music, a term used for the passages for solo voice rather than choir; hence verse anthem. read more

verset

Organ piece that replaces a VERSE of a PLAINCHANT, such as of a hymn. read more

vibrato

A rapid fluctuation in pitch and/or volume, used for expressiveness and richness of sound, e.g. the "wobble" of a string player's left hand on the strings. read more

virelai

A medieval polyphonic song form. read more

virtuoso (It. "virtuous")

Musician who excels in technical ability. read more

vivace

Vivacious. read more

vocalise

A wordless solo vocal piece. read more

voice-leading

The rules governing the progression of the voices in contrapuntal music; also part-writing. read more

---

---