Glossary

Nationalism
The practice of writing music with National characteristics, such as the use of folk music. Smetana, Grieg and Chopin are good examples of this
Natural
A note which is neither flattened nor sharpened (lowered or raised in pitch) is said to be natural. Also the name of the symbol which indicates this
Neo-Classical
Neo-Classical music makes use of techniques and styles popular in music from previous periods in history. Prokofiev's 'Classical Symphony' and Stravinsky's 'Pulcinella Suite' are examples
Niente
Italian for 'nothing'. Commonly used to indicate that a sound should die away to nothing ('A niente')
Nobilmente
Italian for 'nobly'
Nocturne
Italian term meaning a 'night piece' - a piece of music evocative of the night
Non
Italian for 'not', for example 'non troppo' - 'not too fast'
Nota Cambiata
Italian for a 'changed note', meaning a note which does not fit with the chord with which it sounds - for example, an ornament
Notation
The system of writing music down on paper
Note Cluster
A collection of adjacent notes played simultaneously, for example with the forearm or a piece of wood on a piano keyboard. Sometimes used in 20th century music. Also called a 'Tone Cluster'
Note Row
Also called a 'Tone Row', the series of twelve notes arranged by the composer for use in a piece of Serial Music