1.4 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

	piano	quiet.
	forte	loud.
	mezzo forte	moderately loud.
	crescendo (cresc.)	gradually getting louder.
	diminuendo (dim.)	gradually getting softer.

Example

The melody starts soft (piano), gradually getting louder (crescendo) and then gradually getting softer (diminuendo) .