Poco
Slightly
"Poco" is an Italian adverb that translates to "little" or "slightly" in English. It's commonly used in music as a modifier to indicate a small or gradual change in various musical elements such as tempo, dynamics, or expression.
For example:
- "Poco allegro" means "a little fast" or "somewhat brisk".
- "Poco crescendo" means "a little increase in volume".
- "Poco ritardando" means "slightly slowing down".
In these cases, "poco" is used to indicate a subtle or gradual adjustment, guiding performers to make a slight change while still maintaining the overall character and flow of the music.
Example of Poco
Franz Liszt - Consolation No. 2 (audio + sheet music)
Common Expression Markings
Musical Terms | Meaning |
Affettuoso | Affectionate, expressive |
Agitato | Agitated, restless |
Animato | Animated, lively |
Appassionato | Passionate, emotional |
Brillante | Brilliant, shining |
Brioso | Lively, vivacious |
Bruscamente | Abruptly, suddenly |
Buffo | Comic, humorous |
Cantabile | Singing, song-like |
Celere | Fast, quick |
Colossale | Colossal, enormous |
Comodo | Comfortable, convenient |
Con amore | With love, affectionately |
Con brio | With vigor, with spirit |
Con forza | With force, with strength |
Con fuoco | With fire, with passion |
Con grazia | With grace, with elegance |
Con moto | With motion, with movement |
Con spirito | With spirit, with energy |
Dolce | Sweet, gentle |
Doloroso | Sorrowful, painful |
Drammatico | Dramatic |
Energico | Energetic, forceful |
Espressivo | Expressive |
Feroce | Fierce, ferocious |
Festoso | Festive, joyful |
Furioso | Furious, violent |
Giocoso | Playful, joyful |
Grandioso | Grand, majestic |
Grazioso | Graceful |
Lacrimoso | Tearful, weeping |
Leggiero | Light |
Maestoso | Majestic |
Marcato | Emphasized, accentuated |
Misterioso | Mysterious |
Pesante | Heavy, weighty |
Risoluto | Resolute, with determination |
Scherzando | Jokingly, playful |
Semplicemente | Simple, plainly |
Slancio | Impulse, momentum |
Solitario | Solitary, lonely |
Sonore | Sonorous, resonant |
Sostenuto | Sustained, steady |
Sotto voce | Soft voice |
Tranquillo | Calm, peaceful |
Volante | Flying, light |