Here are some interesting musical related definitions. Kind of puts things in a whole new perspective. These are from a rather unique list of terms I found while web surfing. You can find the whole collection here: http://www.ii.uib.no/~magnus/e/ Rob Goodale, RPT Las Vegas, NV ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PIANO, n. A parlor utensil for subduing the impenitent visitor. It is operated by pressing the keys of the machine and the spirits of the audience. ACCORDION, n. An instrument in harmony with the sentiments of an assassin. CREMONA, n. A high-priced violin made in Connecticut. LYRE, n. An ancient instrument of torture. OPERA, n. A play representing life in another world, whose inhabitants have no speech but song, no motions but gestures and no postures but attitudes. All acting is simulation, and the word simulation is from simia, an ape; but in opera the actor takes for his model Simia audibilis (or Pithecanthropos stentor) -- the ape that howls. NOISE, n. A stench in the ear. Undomesticated music. The chief product and authenticating sign of civilization. ENTERTAINMENT, n. Any kind of amusement whose inroads stop short of death by injection. APPLAUSE, n. The echo of a platitude. PHONOGRAPH, n. An irritating toy that restores life to dead noises.
This PTG archive page provided courtesy of Moy Piano Service, LLC