dynamics introduction

Dynamics Introduction

Dynamics Definition

•Dynamics means how quietly or loudly a piece of music should be played. 

•Dynamics are an important way of conveying the mood of a piece and your use of dynamics is a marked element of your performance.

•Composers use dynamics to change the mood.

•••Think volume on a radio

Italian and English meaning

"Mezzo" means medium or moderately

"Piano" means soft

"Forte" means loud

•••Can be combined, for instance:

mf: mezzo forte, or medium loud

mp: mezzo piano, or medium soft

Extreme!!!

Doubles add an "issimo" to the root

pp is Pianissimo: VERY soft

ff is Fortissimo: VERY loud

See the whole range of dynamics to the left.

Crescendo & Decrescendo

Crescendo: gradually get louder

Decrescendo: gradually get softer...also can be marked with diminuendo