The Language of Music
What are dynamics? The degrees of volume (loudness and softness) in music. Also the words, abbreviations, and symbols used to indicate degrees of volume. Piano (soft) and forte (loud) are most common. What is tempo? In music, tempo is the speed at which a composition is to be played. Why are so many of these terms in Italian? Most important early composers were Italian and were writing the music when most musical terms were used for the first time. Italian is considered the international language of music.
DYNAMICS
TEMPO
The range of sounds from soft to loud.
Speed the conductor indicates.
Pianississimo Pianissimo Piano Mezzo Piano Mezzo Forte Forte Fortissimo Fortississimo
Presto Vivace Allegro Moderato Andante Adagio Lento Largo Grave
Very, very soft Very soft Soft Medium soft Medium loud Loud Very loud Very, very loud
Very fast Vivacious Joyfully, quick, lively Moderate, not fast or slow Rather slow Slow and expressive Very slow Very slow and dignified Very, very slow
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