Q
quasi – like (quasi una fantasia – like a fantasy)
quasi – almost (quasi allegro – almost fast)
R
rallentando – getting slower
rasch (Ger) – fast
restez (Fr) – stay (remain on a note or string)
rinforzando (rf) – emphasised ( sudden crescendo or single note emphasised)
risoluto – resolutely
ritardando – getting slower
ritenuto – becoming slower
rubato – rhythmic flexibility within a phrase
S
sanft (Ger) – gently
scherzando – playfully
scherzo – movement replaying minuet in symphonies and sonatas
schleppen (Ger) – to drag (nicht schleppen – don’t drag)
schnell (Ger) – fast
scneller (Ger) – faster
secco or Sec (Fr) – dry, unarpeggiated
segno – sign (dal segno – from the sign)
segue – carry on to the next section without a pause
sehr (Ger) – very
semitone – smallest pitch difference between notes in most Western music
semplice – simply
sempre – always
senza – without
senza sordini – with sustaining pedal
sfogato – floating freely
sforzando (sfz) – sudden strong accent
simile – continue to apply the previous direction
slargando – becoming slower
slentando – becoming slower
smorzando – getting softer and, perhaps, slower
soave – smoothly, gently
solenne – solemn
solo (plural: soli) – alone
sonatina – a small sonata
sonore – sonorous
sordini – senza (con) sordini – with (without) sustaining pedal
soprano – highest of standard four voice ranges; soprano, alto, tenor, bass