CADENCE
(French) A melodic or harmonic sequence used to create a sense of resolution, usually found at the end of phrases.
CADENZA
(Italian) Abbreviated "cad." An ornamental passage introduced near the close of a movement designed to allow soloists to highlight their technical skill.
CALANDO
(Italian) Growing softer and usually slower.
CALMATO
(Italian) Perform with calmness and tranquillity.
CALME
(French) Calm and peaceful.
CALME, MAIS BIEN EXPRESSIF
(French) Perform calmly and tranquilly but with expression and feeling.
CALOROSO
(Italian) Passionately; with great feeling.
CANON/CANONE
(French/Italian) A strict form of imitation in which succeeding entrances take up the theme note for note.
CANTABILE
(Italian) In a singing, vocal style.
CANTANDO
(Italian) In a singing, flowing style.
CARESSANT
(French) Caressing; comforting.
CARILLON
(French) A carillon is a group of bells that can be rung using a special keyboard.
CEDENDO
(Italian) Growing slower.
CÉDER/CÉDEZ
(French) Slow down.
CHANTÉ
(French) Singing.
CODA
(Italian) A short passage ending a movement.
COME PRIMA
(Italian) Resume the previous tempo.
COMME AU DÉBUT
(French) Perform the tempo and style as marked at the beginning of the piece.
CON
(Italian) With.
CON ALCUNA LICENZA
(Italian) Perform with a certain freedom or license in regard to tempo.
CON AMORE
(Italian) With love.
CON ANIMA
(Italian) With animation and vivaciousness.
CON BRAVURA
(Italian) With boldness, dash and brilliance.
CON BRIO
(Italian) With brilliance and brightness.
CON DOLCEZZA
(Italian) With sweetness and softness.
CON DOLORE
(Italian) With grief or pain.
CON DUOLO
(Italian) With grief or great sadness.
CON ENFASI
(Italian) With emphasis and resolution.
CON ESPRESSIONE
(Italian) Abbreviated "con espr." or "con espress." With expression and feeling.
CON FORZA
(Italian) With force.
CON FUOCO
(Italian) With fire.
CON GRAZIA
(Italian) With grace.
CON MOTO
(Italian) With motion; movement.
CON PASSIONE
(Italian) With passion and ardor.
CON SLANCIO
(Italian) With dash and impetuosity.
CON SPIRITO
(Italian) With spirit.
CON TUTTA FORZA
(Italian) With all available forcefulness.
COULÉ
(French) An ornament in which the primary note is held, followed by notes that fill in, scale-like, to the next written note.
COURT
(French) Short and brief.
CRESCENDO
(Italian) Abbreviated "cresc." Becoming gradually louder.
CUIVRÉ
(French) With a brassy tone, particularly on the French horn.