Musical Dynamics By Mr. Jeffrey Loren VanderKooi, M. Ed.
Musical Dynamics Dynamics are indicators of the relative intensity or volume of a musical line.Dynamics
Pianissimo Pianissimo Very soft. Usually the softest indication in a piece of music.
Piano Piano Soft. Usually the most often used indication.
Mezzo-piano Mezzo-piano Literally, half as soft as piano
Mezzo-forte Mezzo-forte Similarly, half as loud as forte. More commonly used than mezzo-piano. Note: if no dynamic appears, mezzo-forte is assumed to be the prevailing dynamic level.
Forte Forte Loud. Used as often as piano to indicate contrast.
Fortissimo Fortissimo Very loud. Usually the loudest indication in a piece.
Summary of Musical Dynamics slide 1 Pianissimo Very soft. Usually the softest indication in a piece of music. Piano Soft. Usually the most often used indication Mezzo-piano Literally, half as soft as piano
Summary of Musical Dynamics slide 2 Mezzo-forte Similarly, half as loud as forte. More commonly used than mezzo-piano Forte Loud. Used as often as piano to indicate contrast. Fortissimo Very loud. Usually the loudest indication in a piece.