Born: December 24, 1901, MoscowDied: December 2, 1974, Stuttgart (age 73)
glossary
animato, animé [Fr]—lively; animated
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
divertimento [I], divertissement [F]—amusement, diversion, entertainment, even table music; Typically, a suite of movements (often more than 4) often intended for diversion and pleasure of a lighthearted nature suitable for social occasions. Typically implies a smaller chamber ensemble. The name was common in 18th century for a variety of music, some of which was more serious and profound than its title would suggest. The French divertissement can apply to an entr'acte: dances and airs from other acts.
espressivo [It], con espressione, expressif [Fr]—expressive, with expression.with feeling
et [Fr]—and
finale [I], final [F]—The final movement, sometimes explicitly titled thus
lento, lent [F], lentement [F], avec lenteur [F]—slow (tempo)
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
sextet, sextour [F], sestetto [I]—six. Ensemble (or work) for six players.
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.
string sextet—ensemble / composition typically for 2 violins, 2 violas and 2 cellos
tema con variazioni, con variazioni, Tema e variazioni, theme and variations, Thema mit Variationen [G], Thème varié [F]—a common movement form featuring an initial theme followed by a series of variations on that theme, each of which adjusts any number of parameters to achieve variety, e.g. tempo, rhythm, key, instrumentation, etc.A challenge to the composers ingenuity and a delight for the listener