Glossary

D
A note of the scale
Da Capo
Italian for 'repeat from the beginning'. 'Da Capo Al Fine' means repeat from the beginning until the word 'Fine' (finish), and 'Da Capo Al Segno' means repeat from the beginning until the sign
Da Capo Aria
An Aria in which the first section is finally repeated after a middle, contrasting section
Dal Segno
Italian for 'repeat from the sign'
Damping Pedal
The left pedal on a piano
Decrescendo
Italian for 'get quieter'
Development
The section of a movement (particularly one in Sonata Form) where the themes and ideas from the first section are developed and expanded
Diminuendo (Dim.)
See 'Decrescendo'
Discord
See 'Concord'
Dissonance
Same as 'Discord' (See 'Concord')
Divertimento
The Italian name for a suite of works for chamber ensemble or small orchestra. Common in the 18th century
Divertissement
From the French for 'amusement', this can mean the same as a 'Divertimento', but can also apply to a set of works found in Operas or plays to provide some extra entertainment. It can also apply to a single instrumental piece which uses popular songs
Dolce
Italian for 'gentle' and 'sweet'
Dolcissimo
Italian for 'very sweetly'
Dominant
The fifth degree of a major of minor scale, or a chord bult on it
Dominant Seventh
The Dominant triad with an extra note the interval of a seventh from the 'root' note of the chord
Double Bar
Two bar-lines together marking the end of a section of music. See also Bar
Doucement
French for 'gently' and 'sweetly'
Downbeat
The first beat of a bar, or the movement of a conductor's hand or hands indicating that beat
Duet
A piece of music for two voices or instruments, often with accompaniment. Particularly used of a song for two voices
Duettino
A little Duet
Duo
The same as a Duet, but mainly used of instrumental music. Also a pair of performers who perform Duos together
Duple Time
A time signature in which the number of beats in the bar is divisible by two, such as 2/2, 2/4 and 4/4
Duplet
Two notes occupying the time usually used by three notes
Dynamics
The degrees of loudness and softness in music, indicated by signs and words written in the music