Comprehensive Guide to Musical Dynamics, Articulations, Symbols, and Tempos

Dynamics and Dynamic Modifiers

• Piano ($P$): Indicates playing softly.

• Forte ($F$): Indicates playing loudly.

• Mezzo ($m$ / $mo$): Translates to "medium" or "half" (med); used as a prefix modifier for dynamic levels such as mezzo-piano ($mp$) or mezzo-forte ($mf$).

• -issimo / -istimo ($ISTIMO$ / $IST\,MO$): Suffix denoting the extreme superlative form of a dynamic marking:

  • Pianississimo ($PPP$): Extremely soft dynamic level.

  • Pianissimo ($PP$ / $PR$): Very soft dynamic level.

  • Fortissimo ($FF$): Very loud dynamic level.

• Crescendo ($<$): Gradually get louder.

• Decrescendo ($>$): Gradually get softer (also designated as diminuendo).

• Diminuendo: Synonymous with decrescendo; indicates a gradual reduction in volume.

Articulations and Accentuation

• Staccato: Denotes playing notes in a light and detached manner.

• Marcato: Indicates marked emphasis with space left between notes.

• Tenuto: Denotes holding the note for its full value, performed smooth and connected.

• Accent: An emphasis placed on a specific note, played with distinct prominence.

• Fortepiano ($fp$): Execute the initial attack at a forte ($f$) volume, then immediately and quickly drop to piano ($p$).

• Sforzando ($sfz$): Hit with sudden, heavy emphasis.

Musical Symbols, Notation, and Navigation Signs

• Grand Pause ($G.P.$): An abrupt, total silence across the entire ensemble of indefinite or specified rest.

• Turn ($\sim$): An ornamentation consisting of a four-note figure circling the principal note (above, main, below, main).

• Trill ($tr\sim\sim$): Rapid, continuous alternation between the indicated note and the note immediately above it in the key signature.

• Grace Note: An ornamental note printed in small type executed quickly before or on the beat.

• Breath Mark ($\text{Breath}$): Directs the performer to take a breath or create a slight phrasing break.

• A Due ($a\,2$ / $A.\,Due$): Directs two instrumental parts written on the same stave to perform the part in unison.

• Tutti: Directs all performers or the entire ensemble to play together.

• Octave Markings:

  • $8^{va}$ (Above): Directs the performer to play the indicated passage an octave higher than written.

  • Sub Octave ($8^{vb}$ / Below): Directs the performer to play the indicated passage an octave lower than written.

  • Loco: Return to the local pitch; play the notes at the actual written pitch after an $8^{va}$ or $8^{vb}$ transposition passage.

• Repeat Signs ($//:\;://$): Encloses a musical section that is to be performed again.

• First and Second Endings ($1^{st}$ & $2^{nd}$ ending): Brackets indicating alternate terminal measures for repeated sections, playing the first ending on the initial pass and jumping to the second ending on the repeat.

• Repeat Previous Bar ($\%$): Notation instructing the musician to repeat the contents of the single preceding measure.

• Repeat Previous 2 Bars: Notation instructing the musician to repeat the contents of the preceding two measures.

• Fermata: Hold the note or rest longer than its written rhythmic duration.

• Dal Segno ($D.S.$): Directs the player to return to the sign ($Segno$).

• Segno: The specific reference sign ($\%$\text{-like emblem with dots and slash}) navigated to by a Dal Segno command.

• Da Capo ($D.C.$ / $Dil\;Da\;Capo$): Directs the musician to return to the beginning of the piece.

• Coda: Identifies the closing section or concluding passage of a composition.

• Caesura ($//$ / $Cavesura$): A complete pause or break in the sound; often referred to as "railroad tracks."

Tempo Markings, Style Descriptions, and Tempo Changes

• Grave: Very slow tempo.

• Largo: Slow, broad tempo.

• Larghetto: A slow tempo, slightly faster than largo.

• Adagio: Medium slow tempo.

• Andante: Walking tempo.

• Andantino: Slightly faster than andante.

• Moderato: Moderately paced tempo.

• Allegretto ($Allgretto$): A moderately fast tempo; slower than allegro.

• Allegro: Fast, brisk tempo.

• Vivace ($Vavace$): Lively, brisk, and quick tempo.

• Presto: Very fast tempo.

• Prestissimo: Very, very fast tempo; played as quickly as possible.

• Accelerando: Gradually become faster.

• Ritardando: Gradually become slower.

• Molto: Modifier meaning "very" or "much."

• Maestoso: Majestically; performed with grandeur and dignified expression.

• Cantabile: Performed in a singing style; melodious and flowing.

• Dolce ($Dolche$): Sweetly and gently.

• Rubato: Performed freely; expressive flexibility of tempo through subtle borrowing and giving of time.

• Ad Libitum ($Adlib$): At will; the performer may improvise or vary the rhythm, tempo, or dynamics freely.

• Espressivo ($Expressivo$): Expressive; performed with emotional emphasis.

• Animato: Animated; executed in a lively, spirited manner.