Music glossary

D
Note of the scale.

Da capo
It.: repeat from the start.

Da capo al fine
It.: repeat from the start to the place marked "fine".

Dal segno
It.: repeat from the sign.

Dal segno al fine
It.: repeat from the sign to the place marked "fine".

Decrescendo
The same as diminuendo.

Diminuendo (or dim)
It.: play gradually softer.

Dissonance
Two or more notes that clash with each other when played simultaneously.

Dolce
It.: "soft".

Duet (or duo)
Music for two instruments or two voices.

Dynamics
The degrees of softness or loudness in music indicated by signs or words on the score. The most important dynamic signs: pianissimo (pp): very soft, piano (p): soft, mezzo piano (mp): moderately soft, mezzo forte (mf): moderately loud, forte (f): loud, fortissimo (ff): very loud.