zuai-logo

Glossary

A

Articulation

Criticality: 3

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.

C

Crescendo

Criticality: 3

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.

D

Decrescendo/Diminuendo

Criticality: 3

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

Criticality: 3

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.

H

Hairpins

Criticality: 2

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.

S

Sforzando (sf or sfz)

Criticality: 3

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

Criticality: 2

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.

f

forte (f)

Criticality: 3

An Italian dynamic marking indicating to play loudly.

Example:

A powerful orchestral chord is often marked f to convey strength.

fortissimo (ff)

Criticality: 2

An Italian dynamic marking indicating to play very loudly.

Example:

The climax of a symphony might be marked ff for maximum impact.

fortississimo (fff)

Criticality: 1

An Italian dynamic marking indicating to play very, very loudly.

Example:

A rare, extremely powerful moment in a piece might call for fff.

m

mezzo forte (mf)

Criticality: 2

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)

Criticality: 2

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.

p

pianissimo (pp)

Criticality: 2

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)

Criticality: 2

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)

Criticality: 3

An Italian dynamic marking indicating to play softly.

Example:

A gentle melody might be marked p to suggest a calm mood.