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

Setting the Mood So far, we have explored the “nuts & bolts” of written music: Pitches Accidentals & keys Tempo & rhythms 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 Dynamics are the symbols that tell performers how soft or loud to play a line. There are two types of dynamics: Symbols that tell performers specific volume levels Symbols that tell performers to get louder or softer during the course of a line

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

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: cresc. - gradually louder (crescendo) decresc. - gradually softer (decrescendo) For more precise expression, “hairpin” symbols are used: - crescendo - decrescendo Dynamics: Gradual Changes

Dynamics in Music Dynamics are almost always placed underneath the staff. Example with italicized words (only the melody line is shown): 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). Nearly all articulations are placed over/under the note head, on the opposite side of the stem. Some basic articulations include: Accent: sharp “attack” on the beginning of the note. Staccato: played quickly and with separation. Legato: played smoothly without separation. Articulations

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

Putting It All Together 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. 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. However, remember that these are the basics! There is plenty more to learn; that is where music theory comes in.