01-01-09 Dynamics and Articulations Flashcards
Dynamics
Refers to the loudness and softness of sounds in music.
Pianississimo (ppp)
Very very soft
Pianissimo (pp)
Very soft
Piano (p)
Soft
Mezzo-piano (mp)
Medium soft
Mezzo forte (mf)
Medium loud
Forte (f)
Loud
Fortissimo (ff)
Very loud
Fortississimo (fff)
Very, very loud
Fortepiano (fp)
Forte followed suddenly by piano; also mfp, ffp. etc.
Szforzando (sfz)
A forceful sudden accent
fz
Forceful but not as sudden as sfz
Articulation
Specifies how notes should be performed in terms of duration or stress.
Staccatissimo
Extremely shortened duration
Staccato
Shortened duration
Tenuto
Has two functions; it can mean full duration or a slight stress or emphasis.
Marcato
Extremely stressed
Slurs
A curved line connecting different pitches together. It means to play the notes smoothly and connected (legato)
Fermata
Indicates that the music stops and holds the note until the conductor or soloist moves on.
Breath marks
Type of fermata that indicates a quick break, or for a wind instrument, a breath.
Caesura
Type of fermata that indicates a full stop and pause before the music continues. Also known as grand pause)
Crescendo
Increase in volume
Decrescendo or diminuendo
Decrease in volume
Tempo
The speed of the beat.
