Dynamic Marking

Musical Term
Definition
Meaning
Example
Type
To increase gradually in volume, force, or intensity

In Music, the word "Crescendo" is used to indicate that the part of the music gradually gets louder and louder.

Dynamic Marking
To decrease gradually in volume, force, or intensity

To steadily reduce volume, intensity, and strength within a designated range.

In general, decrescendo and diminuendo have the same meaning. However, for some composers (such as Schubert), decrescendo means "gradually reducing volume" while diminuendo means "gradually reducing volume and slowing down the tempo".

Dynamic Marking
To decrease gradually in volume, force, or intensity

To steadily reduce volume, intensity, and strength within a designated range.

In general, diminuendo and decrescendo have the same meaning. However, for some composers (such as Schubert), diminuendo means "gradually reducing volume and slowing down the tempo" while decrescendo means "gradually reducing volume".

Dynamic Marking
Loud

Forte is marked as " f  " in music. It indicates that the part of the music should be played loudly. "Forte" has no absolute value in music (the "Dynamic Markings" in music cannot be measured in decibels). Typically, composers use "Forte" to indicate "the passage should be played louder than the passages before or after it".

Dynamic Marking
Very loud

Fortissimo is marked as " ff  " in music, indicating that the specific part of the music is played very loud.

Dynamic Marking
Louder than Fortissimo

Fortississimo is marked as " fff  " in music, indicating that the specific part of the music is played louder than Fortissimo.

Dynamic Marking
Moderately loud

Mezzo-forte is marked as " mf  " in music, indicating that the specific part of the music is played moderately loud.

Dynamic Marking
Moderately soft

Mezzo-piano is marked as " mp " in music, indicating that the specific part of the music is played moderately soft.

Dynamic Marking
Very soft

Pianissimo is marked as " pp " in music, indicating that the specific part of the music is played very soft.

Dynamic Marking
Softer than Pianissimo

Pianississimo is marked as " ppp " in music, indicating that the specific part of the music is played softer than Pianissimo.

Dynamic Marking
Soft

Piano is marked as " p " in music. It indicates the part of the music should be played softer. "Piano" has no absolute value in music (the "Dynamic Markings" in music cannot be measured in decibels). Typically, composers use "Piano" to indicate "the music being softer than the phrases before or after it".

Dynamic Marking