1.4 Dynamic signs and markings
Category: Elementary music theory | Tags: Dynamic signs and markings |
Dynamics are instructions in musical notation to the performer about hearing the loudness of a note or phrase. More generally, dynamics may also include other aspects of the execution of a given piece.
Dynamic signs and markings
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piano | quiet. |
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forte | loud. |
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mezzo forte | moderately loud. |
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crescendo (cresc.) | gradually getting louder. |
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diminuendo (dim.) | gradually getting softer. |
Example
The melody starts soft (piano), gradually getting louder (crescendo) and then gradually getting softer (diminuendo) .