Index Page
O
obbligato - indispensable
Octave -
An interval eight diatonic scale degrees above it. Two notes an
octave apart have the same letter name
Open Fifth
- A triad
that does not contain a third, consisting
only of a root and a fifth.
Opus -
"Work". With a number, used to show the order in
which the works by a given composer were written or published. Opus numbers are
most often used for composers who catalogued their own works.
Ornament -
A melodic embellishment, either written or
improvised. Types of ornaments included trills, turns,
mordents, and grace notes.
ossia -
otherwise, or else
ostinato - continuous, unceasing
ottava -
an
octave, an eighth
ottava alta - the octave higher
ottava bassa
- the octave lower
Overture -
The introductory music for an opera, ballet, or oratorio.
Glenn
Bonney's Music School © 2000