Born: November 22, 1710, WeimarDied: July 1, 1784, Berlin (age 73)
glossary
adagio [It]—slow tempo, often implying a lyrical, poignant character
allegro [I]—fast, lively tempo. From the Italian word for cheerful or gay.
andante [I]—moderately slow tempo (e.g. walking). Faster than adagio but slower than allegretto
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
obbligato [I], obligé [F]—required, necessary, indispensable, obligatory. For instrumentation, the part is required (vs. ad libitum). When associated with Baroque continuo parts, it requires a specific instrument. When used with a keyboard part (e.g. Bach), it may imply a literal, thoroughly written out part vs. the more usual "improvised" (e.g. realized) continuo part at the discretion of the performer.
sonata, sonate, suonato—a complicated term. Originally, "sounded" rather than "sung" (sonar vs. cantar), e.g. instrumental music. According to historical period, sonata began to imply a formal plan of movements as well as the structure within a single movement, e.g. sonata form. In general usage as a work title, it designates a multi-movement piece for solo or duo instruments with one of the instruments enjoying a feature role.
trio sonata, sonate en trio, sonata a tre—one of the chief forms of chamber music in the Baroque era. Trio indicates three components: 2 soloists and continuo (accompaniment). Typically comprises four movements in one of many specific plans.