The Complete Idiot's Guide Music Dictionary

R

radical bass The same as “fundamental bass”; a progression of root or base notes of a chord.

radio The transmission, through the air and vacuum of space, of electromagnetic radiation or modulated electromagnetic waves as audio signals. Nikola Tesla was the first to patent radio technology in the 1880s. Since radio’s regular public service in the United States beginning in 1920, radio has been a major media source of “live” and recorded performances of music.

raga (Sanskrit, mood or color) A melody of five or more musical notes used in classical Indian music.

ragtime A genre that emerged from the marches and jigs of late nineteenth century and the red-light districts of New Orleans and St. Louis. Ragtime was named after its characteristic “ragged” ...