K

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

K

Used instead of opus in numbering compositions of two composers. “Köchel”, the cataloguer of Mozart’s works. “Kirkpatrick”, the cataloguer of Domenico Scarlatti’s works.

Kapelle

Chapel (= German: Kapelle; Italian: cappella; French: chapelle) is a musical establishment, generally of a king, prince or other ruler.

Kapellmeister

“Master of the chapel.” Director of music for a church or royalty.

key

The tonal center based on the tonic note of the scale.

key signature

The sharps or flats written on the staff at the beginning of a piece to indicate the key.

konzertmeister

The leader of an orchestra (that is, the principal first violin) is known in German as a Konzertmeister and in the United States as a concertmaster, the latter term now finding more general favour in other English-speaking countries, apart from Great Britain, where the word leader is still preferred.

Kyrie

“Lord.” In the Mass, the first part of the Ordinary.