There are currently 26 names in this directory beginning with the letter A.
Act
A portion of an opera or musical designated by the composer, which has a dramatic structure of its own.
Accent
Giving a particular note or phrase more stress than the ones before or after it. Italics do it in print, accents do it in singing. To be effective in solo singing, accents must usually be subtle.
Attack
Describes the process of a singer first hitting a note, as in “his attack on that high C was too harsh,” or “her attack at the beginning of the song was very gentle.”
Arpeggio
When the notes of a chord are played quickly, one after another. Usually used as accompaniment for a song, for example, broken chords most commonly on the 1st, 3rd, 5th and 8th notes of an octave.
Art Song
In classical music, a song not from an opera, but sung in classical style. Art songs were created primarily for concerts.
Absolute Pitch
Ability to determine the exact pitch of a note as played on a musical instrument just by listening to it.
Accidentals
Any of various signs that indicate the alteration of a note by one or two semitones or the cancellation of a previous sign.
Ad Libitum (Ad Lib; Latin)
At liberty; the performer decides how to sing or play the respective section or notes
Adam’s Apple
Common term used to describe the part of the larynx (voice box) which protrudes from the front of the neck. More noticeable in men than women.
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