Musical terms
What is Synaesthesia?
The neurological condition Synaesthesia is seen as a blessing by many artists. Michael Beek explains more...
What is a leitmotif?
Most associated with the operas of Wagner, a leitmotif is a brief musical device signifying a character, location or idea, as Charlotte Smith explains
What is a contralto?
Discover what a contralto is and the range they sing
What does it mean if you have perfect pitch?
Michael Beek explains what is meant by having perfect pitch
Pitch: what is pitch in music?
Stephen Johnson gets to grips with classical music's technical terms. He defines pitch in music, what it means and the context in which it's used in classical music and composing
What is a Circle of Fifths?
If you struggle with music theory, the circle of fifths can seem a confusing concept with its roots firmly in mathematics. Fear not, we discuss what this diagram shows and its use in music
What is a melody? And how has it developed through history?
It may be one of music’s fundamental properties, but the art of penning a memorable melody has long proved a notoriously elusive one. Stephen Johnson reveals the story – and the secrets – behind the humble tune
What is a sonata? From definition to examples, we dive into the world of sonatas
You may have spotted the word 'sonata' in the title of many famous pieces of classical music, but what does 'sonata' actually mean? We explain
Musical terms dictionary: a glossary of useful musical language
Stuck on the meaning of a particular musical terms? Help is at hand, with the BBC Music Magazine glossary of musical terminology
Kodály method: what it is, its benefits and how it helps children learn music
As arts education strains under the pressure of cuts, the Kodály method for teaching music has never seemed more important, suggests Helen Wallace
What’s the difference between chamber music and orchestral music?
We explain the differences between chamber music and orchestral music, and how each form has evolved throughout history
Concerto vs symphony: what's the difference?
Need to know how a concerto differs from a symphony? What do they have in common, and what separates them? Michael Beek explains
What is a limerick?
We shine a light on limericks, including everything from structure to examples
What is an octave in music?
We explain the meaning of the term 'octave' and how it relates to musical range
Polyphony music definition: How polyphony revolutionised ancient music
We explain the basics of polyphony and how it works, with examples from well-known composers
Avant garde music: what it is and some famous examples of avant garde music
From definition to examples, we cover all things avant garde
What is a motif in music?
We explain the meaning of the term motif.
What is an ode? And how has it developed through history?
Jeremy Pound traces the history and uses of the ode, a key musical form found originally in Greek poetry, and later used to serenade kings and queens
What is a Passacaglia?
Know what a passacaglia is? Stephen Johnson explains
What is an apoggiatura?
Know what an apoggiatura is in music? Stephen Johnson explains
What is Greek Orthodox music?
It will feature during the Coronation of King Charles on May 6 - but what exactly is Greek Orthodox music? Here's our brief explainer
What is a concerto?
Stephen Johnson gets to grips with one of classical music's key technical terms, the concerto
Musical keys: what they are, the different keys and how they are used in classical music
Composers have, over the ages, chosen keys to ‘flavour’ their music in a particular way. So which are the most characterful, and who has used them to their greatest effect? Ivan Hewett delves into his scores to find out
Tonic sol-fa: what it is, how the scale works and how it was made famous as Do-Re-Mi?
The Tonic sol-fa music system, as known to millions from The Sound of Music, dates right back to the medieval age. Rick Jones traces its fascinating history