7 The 100 Most Influential Musicians of All Time 7diatonic A scale of the type represented by the white
keys on a piano.
dissonance Lack of a consonant (agreeable) sound
between two or more tones.
diurnal Active during the day, as opposed to during the
night (nocturnal).
divertimenti A light musical composition, usually
written in several movements for a small group of
instruments.
dulcet Characterized by soothing, melodious tones.
ebullient Overflowing with enthusiasm.
ecclesiastical Relating to the church.
eponymous Named after a particular person; self-titled.
fugue A musical structure in which multiple melodic
lines repeat a single theme in various ways, often in a
staggered or overlapping arrangement.
glaucoma An eye disease caused by increased pressure
that damages the optic nerve.
imam The Muslim leader who leads prayers in a mosque.
impecunious Lacking money.
impresario A manager or producer in the entertainment
industry.
lieder German songs, primarily from the Romantic period.
lyceum A school for students between elementary
school and college (usually grades 9 –12).
masque A dramatic verse composition usually performed
by masked actors that represent mythological or
allegorical figures.
mazurka A type of Polish dance and music, performed
in triple time at a moderate tempo.
mercurial Liable to sudden and unpredictable change.
minuet A type of stately French music and dance,
performed in triple time at a moderate tempo.
mnemonic A formula or rhyme intended to assist
the memory.