Italian Music Terms

Reviewed by Editorial Team
The ProProfs editorial team is comprised of experienced subject matter experts. They've collectively created over 10,000 quizzes and lessons, serving over 100 million users. Our team includes in-house content moderators and subject matter experts, as well as a global network of rigorously trained contributors. All adhere to our comprehensive editorial guidelines, ensuring the delivery of high-quality content.
Learn about Our Editorial Process
| By Vaisbejm
V
Vaisbejm
Community Contributor
Quizzes Created: 1 | Total Attempts: 1,832
| Attempts: 1,832 | Questions: 34
Please wait...
Question 1 / 34
0 %
0/100
Score 0/100
1. Tranquillo

Explanation

The word "tranquillo" is an Italian term that translates to "quiet" or "tranquil" in English. It refers to a state or atmosphere of calmness and peacefulness. This term is often used in music to indicate a slow and serene tempo, allowing for a soothing and relaxing experience. Therefore, the given answer "quiet, tranquil" accurately reflects the meaning of "tranquillo" and its connotations of quietness and tranquility.

Submit
Please wait...
About This Quiz
Italian Music Terms - Quiz

Explore key Italian music terms in this engaging quiz. Learn meanings of terms like 'ab libitum', 'alla', and 'assai', crucial for interpreting musical scores. Perfect for students and... see moreprofessionals seeking to enhance their musical vocabulary and performance skills. see less

2. Grazioso

Explanation

The word "grazioso" is an Italian word that translates to "graceful" in English. "Graceful" means having elegance, beauty, and poise in movement or appearance. This word is often used to describe someone or something that moves or behaves in a smooth, controlled, and aesthetically pleasing way. Therefore, "graceful" is the correct answer that best aligns with the meaning of "grazioso".

Submit
3. Grandioso

Explanation

The word "grandioso" is an adjective that means grand or grandiose. It can be used to describe something that is impressive, magnificent, or majestic. In this context, the word is used to describe something that is great or grand in nature. The word "grand" is a synonym for "grandioso" and also means large or impressive. Therefore, the correct answer is "grand, grandiose."

Submit
4. Sostenuto

Explanation

The term "sustained" refers to a musical note or passage that is held for a longer duration. It indicates that the note should be played or sung for its full length without any interruption. In contrast to other options like "repeating tenutos" or "pressing, becoming faster," which suggest a different type of musical expression or technique, "sustained" specifically emphasizes the need to hold the note for an extended period of time. Therefore, "sustained" is the correct answer in this context.

Submit
5. Ab libitum

Explanation

The phrase "ab libitum" is a Latin term that means "at the liberty of the performer." It is commonly used in music to indicate that the performer has the freedom to interpret or improvise certain parts of the piece. This means that the performer can deviate from the written score and make decisions on their own, adding their personal touch to the performance. Therefore, the correct answer for this question is "at liberty of performer."

Submit
6. E, ed

Explanation

The given answer "and" is correct because it is a conjunction that is used to connect words, phrases, or clauses together. It is commonly used to join two similar ideas or to add additional information to a sentence. In this case, "and" can be used to connect two words or phrases together, creating a compound word or indicating a relationship between the two.

Submit
7. Grave

Explanation

The word "grave" is often used to describe a slow and solemn manner or atmosphere. It can refer to a serious and somber tone or demeanor. Therefore, the answer "slow and solemn" is an appropriate description for the word "grave".

Submit
8. Ritenuto

Explanation

The term "ritenuto" in music refers to suddenly slowing down the tempo and holding back the notes. It indicates a sudden change in speed, creating a sense of slowing down and a more restrained or held back performance. This term is often used to add expressiveness and emphasis to a specific musical phrase or section.

Submit
9. Subito

Explanation

The word "subito" is an Italian word that translates to "suddenly" in English. This suggests that the correct answer is "suddenly" because it is the most accurate translation of the given word.

Submit
10. Comodo

Explanation

The term "comodo" is an Italian musical term that means "comfortable" or "easy." In the context of tempo, it indicates that the music should be played at a moderate speed, neither too fast nor too slow. Therefore, the correct answer "at a comfortable, easy tempo" accurately describes the meaning of "comodo" in relation to tempo.

Submit
11. Molto

Explanation

The correct answer is "much, very". Both "much" and "very" are adverbs that are used to intensify or emphasize the degree or extent of something. In this context, they are used to describe the intensity or extent of something, possibly indicating a large amount or high level. "Molto" in Italian can be translated as "much" or "very", which aligns with the given answer.

Submit
12. Senza

Explanation

The correct answer is "without". "Senza" is an Italian word that means "without". It is used to indicate the absence or lack of something. In this context, "without" is the appropriate translation for "senza".

Submit
13. Sotto voce

Explanation

The term "sotto voce" refers to speaking softly or in a subdued manner, almost under the breath. It implies a low volume and a sense of secrecy or confidentiality. This is the best fit among the given options, as "short and detached" does not capture the meaning of speaking softly, "sonorous" means having a rich and deep sound, and "boisterous, noisy" is the opposite of speaking softly.

Submit
14. Leggiero

Explanation

The word "leggiero" is an Italian musical term that is commonly used to describe a light, nimble, and quick style of playing or singing. In music, it refers to a performance that is executed with agility and grace, characterized by a fast tempo and a delicate touch. Therefore, the answer "light, nimble, quick" accurately captures the essence of the term "leggiero" in the context of music.

Submit
15. Morendo

Explanation

The term "morendo" is a musical term that indicates a gradual decrease in volume and tempo, ultimately leading to a dying or fading away of the sound. This term is often used in expressive and emotional pieces of music to create a sense of melancholy or loss. Therefore, the correct answer for this question is "dying, fading away."

Submit
16. Con sordino

Explanation

The term "con sordino" is an Italian musical term that means "with mute." When a musician plays with mute, it means they are using a device that is placed on their instrument to dampen or muffle the sound. This can create a softer and more muted tone. Therefore, the correct answer for this question is "with mute."

Submit
17. Meno messo

Explanation

The phrase "meno messo" translates to "less movement" in English. The options provided in the question are "less and more movement", "movement", "less movement", and "more movement". Out of these options, "less movement" is the correct answer as it accurately translates the given phrase.

Submit
18. Assai

Explanation

The word "assai" means "very much" in Italian. It is used to emphasize the intensity or extent of something. For example, if someone says "Mi piace assai" it means "I like it very much." Therefore, "very much" is the correct answer as it accurately represents the meaning of "assai."

Submit
19. Col, coll', colla, colle

Explanation

The word "with" is the correct answer because it is the only option that is grammatically correct and makes sense in the given sentence. The other options, "well," "without," and "good," do not fit in the context of the sentence and would result in an incomplete or nonsensical phrase.

Submit
20. Alla, all'

Explanation

The phrase "in the manner of" is used to describe how something is done or to compare something to a similar style or behavior. In this context, it suggests that "alla" and "all'" are being used to imitate or mimic a certain manner or style.

Submit
21. Largamente

Explanation

The term "largamente" is an Italian musical term that indicates playing in a broad or expansive manner. It suggests that the music should be performed with a sense of breadth and spaciousness, allowing for a wide range of expression. Therefore, the correct answer is "broadly," as it best captures the meaning and intention of the term "largamente."

Submit
22. Tacet

Explanation

The word "tacet" means to be silent. It is derived from the Latin word "tacēre," which also means to be silent or quiet. Therefore, the correct answer for this question is "be silent."

Submit
23. Bewegt

Explanation

The word "Bewegt" in German can be translated to English as "agitated" or "excited". This is because "Bewegt" is an adjective that describes a state of being in which someone is emotionally stirred up or experiencing heightened emotions. It can also imply a sense of restlessness or unease. Therefore, "agitated" and "excited" are both suitable translations for "Bewegt".

Submit
24. Dolente

Explanation

The word "dolente" is an Italian adjective that translates to "sad" in English. Therefore, the correct answer is "sad".

Submit
25. Giocoso

Explanation

The word "giocoso" is an Italian musical term that means "playful" or "joyful." It is often used to describe a piece of music that is light-hearted and full of humor. Therefore, the correct answer "humorous, joyful" accurately captures the meaning of "giocoso" and its connotations of happiness and enjoyment.

Submit
26. Martellato

Explanation

Martellato is an Italian musical term that indicates a strongly accented and hammered style of playing. It is used to instruct musicians to play a note or passage with a forceful and emphasized attack. This technique produces a sharp and distinct sound, adding intensity and emphasis to the music. The term "hammered" suggests that the notes should be played with a percussive quality, as if struck with a hammer. Therefore, the correct answer is "strongly accented, hammered."

Submit
27. Pesante

Explanation

The word "pesante" is an Italian musical term that means "heavy" or "weighty." In the context of this question, "pesante" is being used to describe something with emphasis. Therefore, the correct answer is "weighty, with emphasis."

Submit
28. Strepitso

Explanation

The word "strepitso" is not a recognized English word, so it is difficult to provide a precise explanation for the given answer. However, based on the options provided, "boisterous, noisy" seems to be the most appropriate choice as it aligns with the definition of the word "strepitso" being loud and rowdy.

Submit
29. Stringendo

Explanation

The term "stringendo" refers to a musical direction that indicates the music should be played with increasing speed and intensity. It is often used to instruct musicians to press the keys or strings of their instruments with more force, resulting in a louder and more forceful sound. Therefore, the correct answer "pressing, becoming faster" accurately describes the meaning of "stringendo" in musical notation.

Submit
30. Loco

Explanation

The term "register" in music refers to the range of pitches that a particular instrument or voice can produce. In this context, "return to normal register" means going back to the original range of pitches after playing in a different range. This could be done by either changing the fingering or position on the instrument or adjusting the vocal technique.

Submit
31. Attaca

Explanation

The word "attaca" is a musical term that instructs performers to proceed without a break or pause between movements or sections. This term is commonly used in classical music scores to indicate that the next section should be played immediately after the previous one, without any interruption. Therefore, the correct answer "proceed without a break" accurately describes the meaning of "attaca" in the context of music.

Submit
32. L'istesso tempo

Explanation

The term "l'istesso tempo" means "the same tempo" in Italian. This indicates that the performer should maintain the original tempo throughout the piece, without any changes in speed. It is a musical instruction used to ensure consistency and continuity in the performance.

Submit
33. Mesto

Explanation

The word "mesto" is used to describe something that is sad or mournful. It implies a feeling of sorrow or grief. This word does not have any connection to the other options provided, such as "moderately," "at an easy tempo," or "little." Therefore, the correct answer is "sad, mournful."

Submit
34. Allargando

Explanation

The term "allargando" is used in music to indicate a gradual slowing down of the tempo. It is often associated with a more expressive and relaxed interpretation of the music. Therefore, the correct answer "becoming slower" accurately describes the meaning of "allargando". The term "animated" refers to a lively and energetic interpretation, while "brilliant" describes something bright and shining. Both of these terms are not synonymous with "becoming slower", making them incorrect answers.

Submit
View My Results

Quiz Review Timeline (Updated): Jul 18, 2025 +

Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Jul 18, 2025
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Mar 26, 2010
    Quiz Created by
    Vaisbejm
Cancel
  • All
    All (34)
  • Unanswered
    Unanswered ()
  • Answered
    Answered ()
Tranquillo
Grazioso
Grandioso
Sostenuto
Ab libitum
E, ed
Grave
Ritenuto
Subito
Comodo
Molto
Senza
Sotto voce
Leggiero
Morendo
Con sordino
Meno messo
Assai
Col, coll', colla, colle
Alla, all'
Largamente
Tacet
Bewegt
Dolente
Giocoso
Martellato
Pesante
Strepitso
Stringendo
Loco
Attaca
L'istesso tempo
Mesto
Allargando
Alert!

Advertisement