bagatelle - literally, a "trifle" - a short unpretentious composition.
ballade - a piece of a romantic type, usually in ABA form, combining dramatic and lyrical characteristics.
band - a large ensemble consisting mainly of wind instruments.
barcarolle - a lyrical boat song usually in moderate 6/8 or 12/8 time, and ABA form, supposed to be derived from the songs of the Venetian Gondoliers.
bar, barline - a vertical line drawn through one or more staves to indicate a measure. Bar also means measure (e.g., a four-bar phrase).
bar form - a form in three sections, the first of which is ( AAB ).
barocco - eccentric, bizarre.
bass - a voice, instrument, or part in the low register.
Bass Clef- also known as the F clef.
bassa - low, deep
basso - the bass part, the lowest male voice.
basso continuo - the instrumental figured-bass part in an ensemble played by one or more bass instruments and a keyboard instrument.
basso ostinato - a persistently repeated theme in the bass register.
beat - the unit of time in metric music. In time signatures, the upper numeral indicates the number of beats per measure.
ben, bene - well, good.
bene placito - at will, at pleasure.
ben marcato - well marked or accented.
berceuse - a lullaby, a quiet piece generally in moderate 6/8 time, with a rocking movement in the accompaniment.
binary two-fold/binary form - a form of two divisions or sections (AB).
bis - twice - (the passage is to be repeated).
bitonality - use of two different keys simultaneously.
bolero - a quick Spanish dance in 3/4 time with accompaniment of castanets.
bourree - a French or Spanish dance, usually in quick duple time, starting on an upbeat; similar to the Gavotte, and often found in the old suites.
brass - wind instruments which produce tone by vibration of the lips.
bravura - spirit, skill.
breve - a double whole note  equal to two semi-breves or whole notes.
brillante - bright, sparkling.
brio - vigor, spirit.
broken chord - the tones of a chord played consecutively, usually according to some pattern.
buffa, buffo - comic, humorous.
burlando - in a playful manner.
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