Grade 1 Performance Directions – Practice Flashcards

Flashcards covering common Italian terms and notational signs required for Grade 1 music theory, formatted as question-and-answer prompts for effective exam revision.

What does “accelerando” (accel.) instruct a performer to do?

Gradually get quicker.

What tempo indication does “adagio” give?

Slow.

How fast is “allegretto”?

Fairly quick, but not as quick as allegro.

What does “allegro” literally mean and how should it be played?

Quick (literally “cheerful”).

What speed is implied by “andante”?

A medium, “walking” speed.

How should a passage marked “cantabile” be played?

In a singing style.

What dynamic change is indicated by “crescendo” (cresc.)?

Gradually getting louder.

What does “decrescendo” (decresc.) tell the performer?

Gradually getting quieter.

What does “diminuendo” (dim.) mean?

Gradually getting quieter.

What does the term “fine” signify in a score?

The end.

What dynamic level is shown by “f” (forte)?

Loud.

What does “ff” (fortissimo) indicate?

Very loud.

How should notes be played when marked “legato”?

Smoothly, connected.

What tempo does “lento” indicate?

Slow.

What does the word “mezzo” mean by itself?

Half.

What dynamic is represented by “mf” (mezzo forte)?

Moderately loud (“half loud”).

What dynamic is represented by “mp” (mezzo piano)?

Moderately quiet (“half quiet”).

What tempo does “moderato” suggest?

Moderately (e.g., allegro moderato = moderately quick).

What dynamic level is shown by “p” (piano)?

Quiet.

What does “pp” (pianissimo) tell you?

Very quiet.

What does “poco” mean in performance directions?

A little.

What does “rallentando” (rall.) instruct the player to do?

Gradually get slower.

How does “ritardando” (rit.) affect the tempo?

Gradually get slower.

What is meant by “ritenuto” (riten./rit.)?

Held back (immediately slower).

What articulation is indicated by “staccato”?

Detached, separated notes.

What does “tempo” literally mean?

Speed or time.

What does “a tempo” tell the performer?

Return to the original speed.

What does “da capo” (D.C.) direct you to do?

Repeat from the beginning.

What does “dal segno” (D.S.) tell a musician?

Repeat from the sign.

How should notes be played when “8va” is written above them?

One octave higher.

How should notes be played when “8va” is written below them?

One octave lower.

What is the meaning of a slur (curved line) over or under a group of notes?

Play the notes smoothly (legato).

What does a dot placed above or below a note signify?

Staccato (play detached).

What does a “>” sign over or under a note indicate?

Accent the note.

What does a pause (fermata) sign placed over or under a note mean?

Hold (pause) the note longer than its written value.

How do repeat marks ( :|| and ||: ) function?

At the second sign, go back to the first sign and repeat from there.

In a metronome marking, what does “M.M. ♩ = 72” mean?

72 crotchet (quarter-note) beats per minute (Maelzel’s Metronome).

What does the hairpin opening out (<) mark indicate?

Crescendo—gradually get louder.

What does the hairpin closing (>) mark indicate?

Diminuendo—gradually get quieter.