Dynamics in Music

Front

Dynamics

Back

Terms used to describe the volume of sounds. We use them when we speak about whether music is loud, soft or whether it changes over time.

Front

Pianissimo [Pee-ah-nee-see-mow]

Back

Very soft, Very quiet

Front

Piano [Pee-ah-no]

Back

Soft, Quiet

Front

Forte [For-tay]

Back

Loud

Front

Fortissimo [For-tee-see-mow]

Back

Very loud

Front

Mezzo [Met-so]

Back

Medium, Moderately

Front

Mezzo piano [Met-so , pee-ah-no]

Back

Medium soft, Moderately soft

Front

Mezzo forte [Met-so , for-tay]

Back

Medium loud, Moderately loud

Front

Crescendo [Cresh-en-doe]

Back

Getting louder over time

Front

Decrescendo [Dee-cresh-en-doe] , Diminuendo [Dim-in-you-en-doe]

Back

Getting softer over time.