Musical terminology, illustrated by Game of Thrones
20 October 2017, 12:56 | Updated: 20 October 2017, 13:16
Turns out Jon Snow, Khaleesi, Cersei and the other residents of Westeros have 10/10 musical notation knowledge (kind of). Things just GoT seriously geeky...
Affrettando
To play in a hurrying manner, pressing or rushing on forwards.
Saltando
Music should be played by bouncing the bow on a string instrument, like in a staccato arpeggio (lit. ‘jumping’ in Italian).
Cadenza
A solo section used to show off the performer’s technique. This section will often be considerably lengthy and entertaining.
Acceso
(Italian: ‘ignited’). The music should sound exciting, like it’s on fire.
Maestoso
Majestically, in a stately fashion. The music should be played in a particularly regal manner.
Penseroso
(Lit: ‘thoughtfully’). You should play a passage marked ‘penseroso’ in a meditative, pensive manner.
Battuto
(Lit. ‘hit’ in the past tense.) To suddenly strike the strings with a bow on a stringed instrument.
Sostenuto
A passage marked ‘sostenuto’ should be played in a sustained or prolonged fashion. Literally ‘sustained’ or ‘held’ in Italian.
Freddo
The music should be played depressively, without emotion. Lit: ‘cold’(ly).
