Compositions in which factors such as pitch, duration, rhythms, dynamics, order of events, etc., are not, or not completely, specified by the composer. Also called aleatoric or indeterminate music.

Basic unit of pulse recurring in groups of three, sometimes called waltz time.

Literally “touch piece,” a virtuoso composition for keyboard or plucked-string instrument featuring sections of brilliant passage work.

(Columbina) Stock character of the Italian commedia dell’arte, a lady’s maid, sometimes portrayed as the daughter of Pantalone, beloved of Harlequin, often pursued by Pierrot.

Carnival, referring to the festive season preceding Lent in the Roman Catholic church.

Fast with liveliness.

Ballroom dance in triple meter, the music for this dance.

(Fr.) Fast

Simultaneous performance of the same pitch (note).

1) Technique of altering or elaborating a musical motive, phrase, or section. 2) Section employing this technique.