Dynamic Symbol Review

9th Grade General Music

Miss Ashley Adair

March 9, 2007

What are dynamics?

The degrees of softness or loudness in music.

They can be indicated by symbols or words on the score.

The Symbol

is defined as piano.

When is seen in a score, the piece or section of the piece must be played or sung softly.

The Symbol Pianissimo represented by

This means that the piece or section of the piece being performed must be played or sung very softly.

The Symbol The symbol means mezzo piano.

When is seen on the score, the piece is to be played medium soft. Not as soft as piano, but not as loud as forte.

Examples

Piano: Pianissimo:

Mezzo Piano:

The Symbol Forte is represented by

Forte is defined as loud. When seen on a score, the piece should be played loudly.

The Symbol Fortissimo is represented by

This symbol means that the piece or section of the piece should be played very loudly.

The Symbol This symbol means mezzo forte.

When is seen on the score, the piece is to be played medium loud. Not as loud as forte, but not as soft as mezzo piano

Examples

Forte: Fortissimo:

Mezzo Forte:

The Symbol

This is a Decrescendo.

When a decrescendo is on a score, the section of the piece should gradually become softer.

The Symbol

This symbol is a crescendo.

This means to gradually become louder when seen on a score.

Examples

Decrescendo:

Crescendo:

Review

Symbol

Term Meaning

Piano Soft

Pianissimo Very Soft

Mezzo Piano Medium Soft

Forte Loud

Fortissimo Very Loud

Mezzo Piano Medium Loud

Crescendo Gradually Becoming Louder

Decrescendo Gradually Becoming Softer

For Homework

I will give you a short handout on the dynamics markings reviewed today.

All you have to do is fill in the blanks. Due Thursday, March 11.

To come…

We will look at some more dynamic examples on Wednesday, March 10.

We will also review for Test 5 on Thursday. Friday, March 12 is Test 5.

and Finally~

Don’t Forget to support this year’s cast of

Anything Goes!

Next Weekend- March 18, 19, 20 at 7:30pm