The term alla breve is also sometimes used as a tempo indication, to show a rate of speed so great that a half-note has a beat, i.e., only two beats in a measure—hence twice as fast as before.
Alla capella—usually the same as a capella (see [p. 76], [Sec. 162]) but sometimes used in the same sense as alla breve.
Alla marcia—in march style.
Alla zingara—in gypsy style.
Alt—see in alt.
Alto—the lowest female voice. Range approximately g-e''.
The word alto is derived from the Latin word altus, meaning high, the term being formerly applied to the highest male voice, which originally sang (and still does so in many male choirs) the alto part.
Animato come sopra—in animated style as above.
Antiphony (antiphonal)—the responsive singing of two choirs, usually one at either end of the church, or at either side of the chancel.
Arabesque—an instrumental composition in light, somewhat fantastic style.