=Finale.= The conclusion of an opera, or of an act thereof; in early operas often a duet or trio, but later on a concerted number, often of very great dignity. It was first largely used by Logroscino, and has since become an important feature of many operas. =Glockenspiel.= A small set of bells played from a keyboard; used by Mozart in _Zauberflöte_ and by Wagner in the _Walküre_. =Gong=, or =Tam-Tam=. A bronze plate struck with a stick; used by Meyerbeer. =Grand Opera.= Opera on serious or tragic subjects, with no spoken dialogue, and with everything conceived upon a large and dignified scale. Generally used to denote French Opera. =Harpsichord.= One of the forerunners of the pianoforte, and the accompanying instrument used in the earliest operas. =Imbroglio.= A confused passage, where conflicting things are going on at the same time, as in the street scene of _Die Meistersingers_. =Impresario= (Italian). Has the same meaning as Entrepreneur. =Intermezzo.= A short, light musical play, originally introduced between the acts of Grand Opera. The term is now usually applied to an instrumental interlude. =Leit-motif=, or guiding-theme. The distinctive piece of melody, harmony, or scoring associated with one character upon the stage, or with a definite idea. Its use was perfected by Wagner. =Libretto.= The “book,” or words of an opera. =Lied.= German for air. =Liederspiel.= Play of songs. This corresponds with the English ballad opera. =Masque.= An early form of opera which made much of dancing and of scenic effects. =Opera Buffa= (French, Opera Bouffe). A light opera of very little dignity, but full of humour and comicality. It corresponds somewhat with the English term, “Comic opera.” =Opera Comique.= A stage play, often of serious character, mainly set to music, but in which there is spoken dialogue. Beethoven’s _Fidelio_ and Weber’s _Der Frischütz_ are in this class. =Operetta.= A short opera, generally of a light character. =Overture.= The preliminary orchestral introduction to an opera. It varies much in character, length, and importance; according to its character and construction it is not only called overture, but introduction (intrada), entrée, Vorspiel, prelude. =Pasticcio= (a pie). A collection of songs, duets, etc., from various sources, woven together to form a pleasing entertainment. =Potp-ourri.= A collection of the favourite airs of an opera worked up into a piece for a solo instrument—generally the pianoforte. =Recitative.= The less melodious and less definitely rhythmic vocal portions of an opera. A kind of musical declamation.