There are currently 25 names in this directory beginning with the letter D.
D.S.
Dal Segno: This is a repeat mark found on sheet music It may mean: Repeat from the Dal Segno sign.
Da Capo
An instruction to repeat from the beginning of the piece and ending on the final chord of the song.
Dal Segno al Coda
Repeat from the D.S. sign and continue until directed to move to the Coda, a separate ending section,
Deceptive Cadence
A chord progression that seems to lead to resolving itself on the final chord; but it does not.
Diaphragm
The dome shaped muscle attached to the bottom of the lungs that separates your chest and stomach cavities. Its main function is to initiate inhalation.
Diction
The clear pronunciation of words. This requires attention to both consonants and vowels. Different types of music may require more or less diction; for example, in musical theatre, it’s essential that the audience understand the lyrics, but in jazz or blues, the singer may occasionally slur words on purpose in order to achieve a desired sound. Good diction helps produce good sound, however, so all singers should pay attention to it.
Director
One who prepares an opera or play for production by arranging the details of the stage settings and stage effects, and by instructing the performers in the interpretation of their roles.
Dissonance
Harsh, discordant, and lack of harmony. Also a chord that sounds incomplete until it resolves itself on a harmonious chord.
Double Aria
An aria which consists of two parts. The first part, or cavatina, is usually slow and the second, or cabaletta is faster. There is often recitative between the two sections.
Downbeat
The first beat in a measure as conducted by the leader of an ensemble is called the downbeat.
Dramatic
As in a “dramatic soprano,” “dramatic tenor,” etc. A type of singing that is heavier than “lyric,” often accompanied by more focus on acting than on making a “pretty” sound.
Dress Rehearsal
A final rehearsal that uses all of the costumes, lights, etc. While sometimes it is necessary to stop for corrections, an attempt is made to make it as much like a final performance as possible.
Drone
Dull, monotonous tone such as a humming or buzzing sound. Also a bass note held under a melody.
Duet
Piece of music written for two vocalists or instrumentalists. They may or may not sing simultaneously or on the same musical line.
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