R

Abbreviation for right.

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Rallentando, rall

Gradually slower. Synonymous with ritardando.

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Range

The gamut of pitches, from low to high, which a singer may perform.

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Rapide

Rapidly.

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Re

In solmization, the second degree of the major scale.

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Recital

A performance by one or more performers.

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Refrain

A short section of repeated material which occurs at the end of each stanza.

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Relative major and minor scales

Major and minor scales which have the same key signature.

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Renaissance

The period c. 1450-1600. Read more about Renaissance Music

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Repeat

The repetition of a section or a composition as indicated by particular signs.
Repeat a section
Repeat from the beginning
Also D.C., repeat from the beginning and D.S., repeat from the sign, written as

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Resonance

Reinforcement and intensification of sound by vibrations.

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Rest

A symbol used to denote silence.

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Rhapsody

A free style instrumental piece characterized by dramatic changes in mood.

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Rhythm

The term which denotes the organization of sound in time; the temporal quality of sound.

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Rinforzando

A reinforced accent.

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Risoluto

Resolute.

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Ritardando, rit

Gradually slower. Synonymous with rallentando.

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Ritenuto

Immediate reduction in tempo.

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Ritmico

Rhythmically.

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Roll

On percussion instruments, a sticking technique consisting of a rapid succession of notes.

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Romanticism

The period c. 1825-1900.

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Root

The note upon which a triad or chord is built.

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Round

Like the canon, a song in which two or more parts having the same melody, starting at different points. The parts may be repeated as desired.

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Rubato

The term used to denote flexibility of tempo to assist in achieving expressiveness.

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Rudiments

On drums, the basic sticking patterns.

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Ruhig

Quiet.

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Run

A rapid scale passage.

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Rustico

Pastoral, rustic, rural.