Elements of Music
Dynamics Dynamics: the loudness and softness of music. Sometimes this is called volume. Music often changes dynamics - gradually or suddenly – going from loud to soft or from soft to loud.
Example: “The Legend of Danny Boy” The Washington Winds
Technical Terms crescendo – gradually louder decrescendo – gradually softer pianissimo – very soft piano – soft mezzo piano – slightly soft (medium)
Technical Terms continued… mezzo forte – slightly loud (medium) forte – loud fortissimo – very loud
Softest Loudest pianissimo piano mezzo-piano mezzo-forte forte fortissimo Softest Loudest
Connecting Dynamics to Colour… How does the dynamic level change the mood? “Master of Puppets” – Metallica https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7ihydEG4k k Write down the mood you feel when listening to this song. Write down the dynamic level. What if it was played like this? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjXYkFzxIl U
Connecting continued… “River Flows in You” - Yiruma https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7maJOI3QM u0 Write down the mood you feel when listening to this song. Write down the dynamic level.