a capella
“In the manner of the chapel”. Music sung without instumental accompaniment
a tempo
return to the original tempo after some deviation
accelerando
becoming faster
accidentals
symbol used to raise or lower a given pitch by 1 or 2 semi-tones, or to cancel a previous sign or part
adagio
slow, leisurely tempo
al fine
to the end, generally used after a repetition
alla breve
a tempo marking indicating quick, double time; ie 2/2 instead of 4/4 with the ha;f note rather than the quarter note as the beat
allegretto
slightly slower than allegro, often implying lighter texture and character as well
allegro
fast
allegro con spirito
fast tempo with spirit
amabile
sweet, loveable
ancora meno mosso
once more, but a little slower