Brillante
Brilliant, shining
"Brillante" is an Italian adjective that translates to "brilliant" or "shining" in English, conveying the meanings of "radiance" or "luminosity".
In music, "brillante" is an expression marking used to instruct performers to play with a brilliant or sparkling quality, evoking a sense of brightness and virtuosity.
In other words, when interpreting "brillante", performers should strive to bring out the music with a shining and impressive demeanor, allowing the audience to experience a radiant and dazzling musical ambiance that showcases technical skill and expressive flair.
Example of Brillante
Chopin Grande Valse Brillante Op. 18 Valentina Lisitsa
Common Expression Markings
Musical Terms | Meaning |
Affettuoso | Affectionate, expressive |
Agitato | Agitated, restless |
Animato | Animated, lively |
Appassionato | Passionate, emotional |
Brillante | Brilliant, shining |
Brioso | Lively, vivacious |
Bruscamente | Abruptly, suddenly |
Buffo | Comic, humorous |
Cantabile | Singing, song-like |
Celere | Fast, quick |
Colossale | Colossal, enormous |
Comodo | Comfortable, convenient |
Con amore | With love, affectionately |
Con brio | With vigor, with spirit |
Con forza | With force, with strength |
Con fuoco | With fire, with passion |
Con grazia | With grace, with elegance |
Con moto | With motion, with movement |
Con spirito | With spirit, with energy |
Dolce | Sweet, gentle |
Doloroso | Sorrowful, painful |
Drammatico | Dramatic |
Energico | Energetic, forceful |
Espressivo | Expressive |
Feroce | Fierce, ferocious |
Festoso | Festive, joyful |
Furioso | Furious, violent |
Giocoso | Playful, joyful |
Grandioso | Grand, majestic |
Grazioso | Graceful |
Lacrimoso | Tearful, weeping |
Leggiero | Light |
Maestoso | Majestic |
Marcato | Emphasized, accentuated |
Misterioso | Mysterious |
Pesante | Heavy, weighty |
Risoluto | Resolute, with determination |
Scherzando | Jokingly, playful |
Semplicemente | Simple, plainly |
Slancio | Impulse, momentum |
Solitario | Solitary, lonely |
Sonore | Sonorous, resonant |
Sostenuto | Sustained, steady |
Sotto voce | Soft voice |
Tranquillo | Calm, peaceful |
Volante | Flying, light |