La - In solmization, the sixth degree of the major scale. Also, the first degree of the relative minor scale, e.g. a is the sixth degree, or la, in the C major scale and the first degree of the a-minor scale.

Lacrimoso - Tearful, mournful.

Lamento - Mournful, sad.

Langsam - Slow.

Largamente - Broadly.

Larghetto - Slower than largo.

Largo - Very slow.

Leading tone - The seventh degree of the major scale, so called because of its strong tendency to resolve upward to the tonic.

Ledger lines - Short lines placed above and below the staff for pitches beyond the range of the staff.

Legato - Smooth, connected.

Leggiero - Light; graceful.

Lento - Slow; slightly faster than largo, slower than adagio.

Liberamento - Freely.

Linear - Melodic; horizontal lines. .