Classical Music Vocabulary

noun a contrasting or opposing element, idea, or theme in a work of art, music, literature, etc.

verb to contrast with or be in opposition to something

• The composer used a beautiful counterpoint between the violin and cello in the concerto.
• The back-and-forth counterpoint between the two actors on stage was really entertaining.
• The counterpoint between the two rappers in the freestyle battle was fire.
• The contrasting colors in the painting created a visual counterpoint that drew the viewer's eye.

noun a musical direction meaning to play very softly or quietly

• The pianissimo section of the symphony requires great control and delicacy from the musicians.
• Can you play that part pianissimo? It's supposed to be really soft.
• I love when the music gets all pianissimo and chill, it's so relaxing.
• His voice was barely a whisper, as if speaking pianissimo to the wind.

noun a musical instrument with a keyboard and strings that produce sound when struck by hammers

adjective relating to or involving the piano or its music

• The pianist performed a beautiful piece on the grand piano.
• I love playing the piano in my free time.
• Let's jam out on the keys of the piano together.
• Her words played on my mind like a haunting piano melody.

noun a smooth, flowing, melodious song or melody

adjective relating to or characteristic of a cantilena

• The cantilena in the opera was beautifully sung by the soprano.
• I love listening to the cantilena in classical music.
• That cantilena was so catchy, it's been stuck in my head all day.
• Her speech had a cantilena-like quality, flowing smoothly and melodically.

noun a musical mode or scale that starts and ends on the note A, also known as the natural minor scale

• The musician demonstrated their mastery of the aeolian mode during the classical music recital.
• I love playing around with the aeolian mode on my guitar, it has such a unique sound.
• Dude, check out this sick riff I came up with using the aeolian mode!
• The aeolian mode of storytelling in the novel created a haunting and melancholic atmosphere.