Music Theory 101

Music by DESign begins its 10th year of existence this fall, and to commemorate the occasion I thought I’d give a free music theory lesson to all of you!  So here you go…and you’re welcome.

Music Terminology:

In an effort to keep you abreast of the ever-changing world of music
terminology, here are some terms with which you will need to become
familiar:

Adagio Fromaggio:
To play in a slow and cheesy manner.

Anti-phonal:
Referring to the prohibition of cell phones in the concert hall.

A Patella:
Unaccompanied knee-slapping.

Appologgiatura:
A composition, solo or instrument, you regret playing.

Approximatura:
A series of notes played by a performer, not intended by the
composer.

Approximento:
A musical entrance that is somewhere in the vicinity of the correct
pitch.

Bar Line:
What musicians form after a concert.

Cornetti Trombosis Disastrous:
The entanglement of brass instruments that can occur when musicians
exit hastily down the stage stairs.

Dill Piccolino:
A wind instrument that plays only sour notes.

Frugalhorn:
A sensible, inexpensive brass instrument.

Gaul Blatter:
A French horn player.

Kvetchendo:
Gradually getting annoyingly louder.

Opera buffa:
Musical stage production by nudists.

Pre-Classical Conservatism:
School of thought which fostered the idea,”if it ain’t baroque, don’t
fix it.”

Tincanabulation:
The annoying or irritating sounds made by extremely cheap bells.

Vesuvioso:
A gradual buildup to a fiery conclusion.

ZZZfortzando:
Playing REALLY loud in order to wake up the audience.