Italian words in English

(Italian developed from Latin and the following words came into English from Italian; most of which were derived from Latin)

a cappella (adverb) (not comparable)
1. Referring to how choral or vocal music is performed without instrumental accompaniment: At the school music performance, the students sang a cappella.
2. Etymology: from Italian, literally, according to (the style of the) chapel.
adagio (s) (noun), adagios (pl)
1. In music, an indication of tempo that is to be played slowly, at ease, and leisurely: Adgio was the word at the beginning of the second movement which indicated that it should be played slowly.
2. A slow ballet dance in which the female partner is supported or lifted while she holds various poses.: An adagio is a male-female duet dance that shows challenging balance, lifts, and spins.
3. Etymology: Late 17th century from Italian, "at ease".

"Slowly, leisurely" from Italian ad agio, from ad, "to, at" + agio, "leisure"; which came from Vulgar (Common) Latin adjacens, adjacere, "to lie at, to lie near".

alfresco (adverb) (not comparable)
1. Referring to how something takes place or is located outdoors: The family ate alfresco in the back yard in the evening.
2. Etymology: Italian, "in the fresh (air)".
alfresco (adjective)
Being outside in the open air: "Iva and Christa went to an alfresco restaurant which has outdoor dining."
alto (s) (noun), altos (pl)
1. A low female singing voice or a contralto.
2. Etymology: "a man with an alto voice", from Italian alto (canto), from Latin altus, "high". Originally a "high" man's voice, now it is more commonly applied to the lower range of women's voices.
andante (adjective)
A reference to playing a part of a music slowly: "Parts of the concert had andante movements."
andante (adverb)
Descriptive of music that is played slowly: "The rehearsal for the concert included practicing pieces that should be played andante."
andante (s) (noun), andantes (pl)
A musical composition or a part of a musical composition which is played somewhat slowly: "The conductor indicated that the orchestra was to play andante and there were several times when the andantes were presented."
aria (s) (noun), arias (pl)
A song in an opera which is sung by one person: "A musical may have a soloist singing an aria; however, there are often several arias being presented and each one is sung by a soloist."
artichoke
bassoon
cantata
Something sung, or a cantata is for voices, not a reference to instruments.
concerto
Literally, "an agreement" or "a union".
crescendo
Increasing of sound.
espressivo molto
With much expressiveness.