Glossary
The glossary contains definitions and explanations of key terms and phrases used that may not be easily understood. In line with the aim of Lost in Music to make the music industry easier to navigate, we hope that these will aid your understanding of the cases. If there are other terms you spot that we have used that are not in the glossary but need further explanation, please contact one of the team.
parody
A piece of music that is meant to be recognisable by copying distinctive elements of another song's style or interpretation, using humour and satire.
plaintiff
In a court case the party which is bringing the action is the claimant, formerly known as the plaintiff. The other side is the defendant.
probative
Something that gives proof to a claim.
production music
Music written for the specific purpose of synchronisation with picture (film/TV/YouTube etc.). Production Music libraries offer a wide selection of pre-recorded tracks without the usual cost and hassle of licensing commercial music.
pseudonym
An alternative name used by a composer or author, usually with the aim of keeping their real identity secret.
qualitative
Measuring something by its quality (as opposed to its quantity - see also quantitative). Often in infringement cases, where the amount of infringing material has to be "substantially similar" to the original, the "substantial" element is split into two considerations - quality and quantity. i.e. did the infringing work copy the main melodies (quality) or did it copy a large section of the original (quantity).
quantitative
Measuring something by its quantity (as opposed to its quality - see also qualitative). Often in infringement cases, where the amount of infringing material has to be "substantially similar" to the original, the "substantial" element is split into two considerations - quality and quantity. i.e. did the infringing work copy the main melodies (quality) or did it copy a large section of the original (quantity).
rhythm
Rhythm describes the metre or beat of a piece of music, usually made up of a series of regular, repeated beats. Rhythm is a separate consideration from melody, which describes the tune of a phrase.
root
The bottom note of a chord is called the 'root'. Often the root note is the same as the chord itself, thus in a chord of C major the bass often also plays a C. Sometimes the root can be a different note from the chord, such as E or G.
semitone
Half a tone, or the next-door note on a piano. From middle C, a semitone up will be the next note higher, the black note C#. The next white note, D, is a whole tone. There are 12 semitones in an octave, i.e. between one C and the next.