Musical terms
Concerto vs symphony: what's the difference?
Need to know how a concerto differs from a symphony? What do they have in common, and what separates them? Michael Beek explains
Musical terms dictionary: a glossary of useful musical language
Stuck on the meaning of a particular musical terms? Help is at hand, with the BBC Music Magazine glossary of musical terminology
What is a contralto?
Discover what a contralto is and the range they sing
What is a sonata? From definition to examples, we dive into the world of sonatas
You may have spotted the word 'sonata' in the title of many famous pieces of classical music, but what does 'sonata' actually mean? We explain
What is a limerick?
We shine a light on limericks, including everything from structure to examples
What is an octave in music?
We explain the meaning of the term 'octave' and how it relates to musical range
Polyphony music definition: How polyphony revolutionised ancient music
We explain the basics of polyphony and how it works, with examples from well-known composers
Avant garde music: what it is and some famous examples of avant garde music
From definition to examples, we cover all things avant garde
What is a motif in music?
We explain the meaning of the term motif.
What is an ode? And how has it developed through history?
Jeremy Pound traces the history and uses of the ode, a key musical form found originally in Greek poetry, and later used to serenade kings and queens
What is a Passacaglia?
Know what a passacaglia is? Stephen Johnson explains
What is an... Apoggiatura?
Know what an apoggiatura is in music? Stephen Johnson explains
What is Greek Orthodox music?
It will feature during the Coronation of King Charles on May 6 - but what exactly is Greek Orthodox music? Here's our brief explainer
What is a concerto?
Stephen Johnson gets to grips with one of classical music's key technical terms, the concerto
What is a melody? And how has it developed through history?
It may be one of music’s fundamental properties, but the art of penning a memorable melody has long proved a notoriously elusive one. Stephen Johnson reveals the story – and the secrets – behind the humble tune
Kodály method: what it is, how it works and how it helps children learn music
As arts education strains under the pressure of cuts, the Kodály method for teaching music has never seemed more important, suggests Helen Wallace
Musical keys: what they are, the different keys and how they are used in classical music
Composers have, over the ages, chosen keys to ‘flavour’ their music in a particular way. So which are the most characterful, and who has used them to their greatest effect? Ivan Hewett delves into his scores to find out
Tonic sol-fa: what it is, how the scale works and how it was made famous as doh re mi
The Tonic sol-fa music system, as known to millions from The Sound of Music, dates right back to the medieval age. Rick Jones traces its fascinating history
What is a concerto grosso?
This musical form was popular in Baroque times, and at different times since. But what exactly is a concerto grosso and which composers have used the form?
What is Gregorian chant?
All you need to know about this early form of religious music, whose calm and spiritual qualities have spawned some hit recordings
What is chamber music?
What defines a piece of music as 'chamber music' - and where should you start your chamber music journey?
What is folk music?
We take a look at the history and development of this enduringly popular musical genre - and salute those composers who deployed it best
Obbligato meaning: what the word obbligato means when written on a score
Find out what obbligato means in music.
Leggiero music definition: what does leggiero mean when written on a score?
Want to find out what leggiero means? We tell you all you need to know.