Musical Obligatoes

[Frank Carmickle]

21st Century Tempo Markings and other Musical Atrocities

Adagio formaggio: To play in a slow and cheesy manner.

Al dente con tableau: In opera, chew the scenery.

AnDante: A musical composition that is infernally slow.

Angus Dei: A divine, beefy tone.

Antiphonal: Referring to the prohibition of cell phones in the concert
hall.

A patella: Unaccompanied knee-slapping.

Appologgiatura: An ornament you regret after playing it.

Approximatura: A series of notes played by a performer and not intended by
the composer, especially when disguised with an air of "I meant to do
that."

Approximento: A musical entrance that is somewhat close to the correct
pitch.

Bar line: What musicians form after a concert.

Basso continuo: The act of game fishing after the legal season has
ended.

Basso profundo: An opera about deep sea fishing.

Vesuvioso: A gradual buildup to a fiery conclusion.