Index Page

P

Parallel Chords - The movement of specific chords or chord combinations up and down a scale.

Parallel Intervals - The movement in two or more parts of the same intervals in the same direction.

Parallel Keys - Major and Minor keys having the same tonic note.

Parallel Motion - The movement in two or more parts of the same intervals in the same direction.

passionate - impassioned, or in a passionate manner

passionatamente - as above

pausa - a pause

paventato - in a fearful manner

per - for, by, from,

perdendosi - gradually decreasing in time and tone

Perfect Pitch - The ability to distinguish and identify any given note without any musical or tonal support.

Pianissimo - pp-extremely soft

piano - p-soft

Piu-more

Piu mosso - more motion

pizzicato - Plucked with the fingers

placido - calm, tranquil

poco a poco -  little by little

poi a poi - by degrees

Polka - a Bohemian dance, became one of the most popular ball-room dances of the 19th century, its title a possible reference to Poland.

Polyphony - "Many sounds". Music that has many notes sounding together, either in a chordal, or countrapuntal setting.

Prelude - "Play-before". An introductory movement or work.

prestissimo - as fast as possible

presto - quickly, rapidly

primo - first, principal

prima volta - the first time

Glenn Bonney's Music School © 2000