canon, kanon [G]—a strict form of polyphonic, contrapuntal imitation where a series of staggered parts share the same melodic material separated by time and possibly an interval creating both linear and horizontal counterpoint; a simple form of canon is a round (e.g. "Row, Row, Row your Boat")
chamber music, Kammermusik [G], musique de chambre [F], musica da camera [I], musica cameralis [L]—"Classical Music" for a small ensemble, generally 8 or fewer players with a canonical emphasis on 3-6 players. explore
nocturne [F], notturno [I], nocturno, Nachtstück [G]—Night music. A romantic character piece depicting moods of the evening or night: quiet, reflective, perhaps romance and melancholy or even restlessness and fantasy. The most famous nocturnes come originally from the piano literature, e.g. John Field and Chopin, et. al.
quartet, quatuor [F], quartett [G], quartetto [I], cuarteto [S]—ensemble or work for four players the most important examples being the string quartet and the piano quartet
suite—a set of instrumental pieces (movements) played together to create a larger whole. Suites tend towards collections of dances, frequently in the same key, preceded by a prelude, introduction or overture.
tarantella [I], tarantelle [F]—Southern Italian dance in a rapid 6/8 meter named for the town of Taranto and/or the tarantula spider whose bite would provoke the frenzied dance as a response or cure