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Music Talk

Learn more about musical terminology and instrumental techniques through this series of videos featuring Kansas City Symphony musicians.

An ACCELERANDO is a gradual speeding up of the music.

An ACCENT is a stress or emphasis on a particular note or chord.

Play, sing, or clap along with melodies and rhythms performed by Symphony musicians.

CRESCENDO and DECRESCENDO are dynamic markings in music. Crescendo means to get gradually louder. Decrescendo means to get gradually softer.

 

A GLISSANDO is a slide upward or downward between notes.

LEGATO indicates music should be played in a smooth, flowing manner, without breaks between notes.

The STRING FAMILY  of the orchestra includes the violin, viola, cello and bass.