Reading Music: Dynamics & Articulations Mr. Test Music Appreciation TRHS South

Setting the Mood So far, we have explored the “nuts & bolts” of written music: So far, we have explored the “nuts & bolts” of written music: Pitches Pitches Accidentals & keys Accidentals & keys Tempo & rhythms Tempo & rhythms While all of the above are important, they can only go so far to create the “feel” (character) of a musical work. While all of the above are important, they can only go so far to create the “feel” (character) of a musical work. Dynamics & articulations complete the musical picture for the performers. Dynamics & articulations complete the musical picture for the performers.

Dynamics Dynamics are the symbols that tell performers how soft or loud to play a line. Dynamics are the symbols that tell performers how soft or loud to play a line. There are two types of dynamics: There are two types of dynamics: Symbols that tell performers specific volume levels Symbols that tell performers specific volume levels Symbols that tell performers to get louder or softer during the course of a line Symbols that tell performers to get louder or softer during the course of a line

Dynamics: Volume Symbols For specific volume levels, composers use italicized initials that stand for Italian names for volume: For specific volume levels, composers use italicized initials that stand for Italian names for volume: pp = very soft (pianissimo) pp = very soft (pianissimo) p = soft (piano) p = soft (piano) P = medium soft (mezzo-piano) P = medium soft (mezzo-piano) F = medium loud (mezzo-forte): the “default” volume for most music F = medium loud (mezzo-forte): the “default” volume for most music f = loud (forte) f = loud (forte) ff = very loud (fortissimo) ff = very loud (fortissimo)

Music does not normally go directly from soft to loud or vice-versa; usually, there is a gradual increase or decrease in volume. Music does not normally go directly from soft to loud or vice-versa; usually, there is a gradual increase or decrease in volume. The original gradual change symbols are Italian, italicized abbreviations: The original gradual change symbols are Italian, italicized abbreviations: cresc. - gradually louder (crescendo) cresc. - gradually louder (crescendo) decresc. - gradually softer (decrescendo) decresc. - gradually softer (decrescendo) For more precise expression, “hairpin” symbols are used: For more precise expression, “hairpin” symbols are used: - crescendo - crescendo - decrescendo - decrescendo Dynamics: Gradual Changes

Dynamics in Music Dynamics are almost always placed underneath the staff. Dynamics are almost always placed underneath the staff. Example with italicized words (only the melody line is shown): Example with italicized words (only the melody line is shown): Same example with “hairpin” symbols: Same example with “hairpin” symbols:

Articulations are attached to individual or groups of notes; they tell the performer the style to use to play the note(s). Articulations are attached to individual or groups of notes; they tell the performer the style to use to play the note(s). Nearly all articulations are placed over/under the note head, on the opposite side of the stem. Nearly all articulations are placed over/under the note head, on the opposite side of the stem. Some basic articulations include: Some basic articulations include: Accent: sharp “attack” on the beginning of the note. Accent: sharp “attack” on the beginning of the note. Staccato: played quickly and with separation. Staccato: played quickly and with separation. Legato: played smoothly without separation. Legato: played smoothly without separation. Articulations

Accent: “>” over/under each note: Accent: “>” over/under each note: Staccato: “.” over/under each note: Staccato: “.” over/under each note: Legato: Arc across notes: Legato: Arc across notes: Articulation Examples HhHh > > QqQq.. Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q

Putting It All Together The notes, rhythms, tempo, dynamics, and articulations all combine to create the particular “feel” of a piece. The notes, rhythms, tempo, dynamics, and articulations all combine to create the particular “feel” of a piece. Modifying any (or all!) of these parts can completely change how a piece feels to the listener. Modifying any (or all!) of these parts can completely change how a piece feels to the listener. A good composer or songwriter masters all of these elements, as well as melody & harmony, to create wonderful works of music. A good composer or songwriter masters all of these elements, as well as melody & harmony, to create wonderful works of music.

Congratulations! Now you have all the basics of music literacy: note names, rhythms, and artistic elements. Now you have all the basics of music literacy: note names, rhythms, and artistic elements. However, remember that these are the basics! There is plenty more to learn; that is where music theory comes in. However, remember that these are the basics! There is plenty more to learn; that is where music theory comes in.