Glossary
Articulation
The manner in which individual notes are played or sung, affecting their attack, duration, and release.
Example:
Using different articulations like staccato or legato can drastically change the character of a melody.
Crescendo
A gradual increase in the volume of music, often indicated by a hairpin symbol opening to the right (<).
Example:
A composer might use a crescendo to build tension before a dramatic resolution.
Decrescendo/Diminuendo
A gradual decrease in the volume of music, often indicated by a hairpin symbol closing to the right (>) or the abbreviation 'dim.'.
Example:
The end of a quiet piece might feature a decrescendo as the sound fades away.
Dynamics
The relative loudness or softness of music, acting as the emotional volume control within a piece.
Example:
A composer might use a sudden change in dynamics from soft to loud to create a dramatic effect.
Hairpins
The common term for the wedge-shaped symbols (< and >) used to indicate gradual changes in dynamics (crescendo and decrescendo).
Example:
Observing the hairpins in a score helps a musician understand how the volume should ebb and flow.
Sforzando (sf or sfz)
A dynamic marking indicating a sudden, strong accent on a single note or chord.
Example:
A sharp, unexpected hit in a percussion part might be marked sforzando.
Subito
An Italian term meaning 'suddenly,' indicating an immediate and abrupt change in dynamics.
Example:
A subito piano marking means to instantly drop from a loud volume to a soft one.
forte (f)
An Italian dynamic marking indicating to play loudly.
Example:
A powerful orchestral chord is often marked f to convey strength.
fortissimo (ff)
An Italian dynamic marking indicating to play very loudly.
Example:
The climax of a symphony might be marked ff for maximum impact.
fortississimo (fff)
An Italian dynamic marking indicating to play very, very loudly.
Example:
A rare, extremely powerful moment in a piece might call for fff.
mezzo forte (mf)
An Italian dynamic marking indicating to play moderately loudly.
Example:
A marching band's initial entrance might be mf before building to a louder sound.
mezzo piano (mp)
An Italian dynamic marking indicating to play moderately softly.
Example:
A background accompaniment might be played mp so it doesn't overpower the main melody.
pianissimo (pp)
An Italian dynamic marking indicating to play very softly.
Example:
The quiet rustle of leaves in a musical passage could be played pp.
pianississimo (ppp)
An Italian dynamic marking indicating to play very, very softly.
Example:
The delicate opening of a lullaby might be marked ppp to convey extreme quietness.
piano (p)
An Italian dynamic marking indicating to play softly.
Example:
A gentle melody might be marked p to suggest a calm mood.