Born: June 4, 1899, MoscowDied: May 1, 1965, Ahrenshoop (age 65)
glossary
adagio [It]—slow tempo, often implying a lyrical, poignant character
allegretto—moderately quick tempo. slower than allegro but faster than andante
andante [I]—moderately slow tempo (e.g. walking). Faster than adagio but slower than allegretto
andantino—faster than andante, slower than allegretto. Sometimes andantino is interpreted as the opposite: slower than andante
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
counterpoint, contrapuntal, contrapunctus [L], contrapuncti [pl], contrapunto [I]—A movement in a contrapuntal style, esp./specifically a fugue or canon and/or a general musical aspect. A complex notion and a deep subject, counterpoint generally refers to a musical texture comprising multiple, independent polyphonic melody lines (e.g. parts/voices/instruments) each moving horizontally, and the phenomenon of "point against point" combination into an ever-changing vertical blend. Contrapuntal music is conceived (and best heard) as a fabric of independent threads rather than a series of unified blocks such as "simple" melody and accompaniment or a series of harmonies. Chamber music, almost by definition, tends to be inherently contrapuntal and, in its best examples, supremely contrapuntal, among of its chief distinguishing traits.
moderato [I], moderamente, modéré [F], modérément [F]—moderately, at a moderate tempo, applying a touch of restraint to its related word(s), e.g. allegro moderato
mosso—moved, with motion, stirred, agitated
opus [L], opera[pl], Op., Opp, WoO, Op. posth—work, as in a work of art. For unique identification, publishers/composers often assign an "opus number", abbreviated as "Op." (e.g. Op. 1). A range of works by opus number, uses the plural "opp." (e.g. "Opp. 1-3"). A single opus number may refer to a collection of works (e.g. a set of quartets) giving rise to designations like "Op. 1, No. 4". For misc. works without opus numbers, "WoO" is often used (e.g."Without Opus"). Posthumously assigned numbers may use "Op. posth". Opus numbers may not precisely reflect chronology (publication vs. composition), can be erroneous, sparse or duplicative. Thus, the works of some historically important composers may use separate catalog numbers (e.g. Bach, Haydn, Schubert). See wiki
più—more
solenne [I], solennelle [F]—solemn
string trio, Streichtrio [G], Trio d'archi [I], Trio à cordes [F], Trío de cuerdas [S]
—a work for three stringed instruments, most commonly violin, viola, and cello. A more rarefied form than the string quartet, perhaps because the texture is sparse (each instrument highly exposed) and the means are more difficult for natural harmonic richness. But these become challenges and assets in the great trios. Trios almost always emphasize countrapuntal writing with each of the three players in strong relief. Explore the string trio | wiki