The louds and softs of music.
The Basics Piano = quiet Forte = loud Mezzo = medium The suffix issimo = very
The “Quiets” Pianissimo = very quiet Piano = quiet Mezzo Piano = medium quiet
The “Louds” Mezzo Forte = medium loud Forte = loud Fortissimo – very loud
The order from quietest to loudest pp p mp mf f ff
Notice that the “issimo’s” are at the extremes (or outer ends) pp p mp mf f ff
Notice the “mezzo’s are in the middle. pp p mp mf f ff
Three words are used to gradually get louder of quieter. Crescendo (cresc.) – gradually get louder Decrescendo (decresc.) – gradually get quieter Diminuendo (dim.) – gradually get quieter
English comparisons Notice that Crescendo is the same as the English word Increase. Notice that decrescendo is the same as the English word to decrease. Diminuendo is the English word to dim.
Symbols Decrescendo can also be shown in the symbol Notice the volume of the symbol decreases as it moves to the right.
Symbols Crescendo can also be shown in the symbol Notice the volume of the symbol increases as it moves to the right.
Check you understanding Write the order of dynamics in the order of quietest to loudest.
Correct! pp p mp mf f ff
Write the Italian and English words for the following: mf
Correct! mf means mezzo forte and medium loud
Write the Italian and English words for the following: f
Correct! F means Forte and loud
Write the Italian and English words for the following: mp
Correct! mp means mezzo piano and medium quiet
Write the Italian and English words for the following: pp
Correct! pp means pianissimo and very quiet
Write the Italian and English words for the following: ff
Correct! ff means fortissimo and very loud.
Write the Italian and the English words for the following: p
Correct! p means piano and quiet
What is the definition for Dynamics ?
Correct! The definition for dynamics is the louds and quiets of music.
Congratulations on your Success!