Dynamics and Expression
Pianississimo
- Looks like
- Written ppp
- Asks for
- Requests extremely soft playing.
Pianissimo
- Looks like
- Written pp
- Asks for
- Requests very soft playing.
Piano
- Looks like
- Written p
- Asks for
- Requests soft playing.
Mezzo piano
- Looks like
- Written mp
- Asks for
- Requests moderately soft playing.
Mezzo forte
- Looks like
- Written mf
- Asks for
- Requests moderately loud playing.
Forte
- Looks like
- Written f
- Asks for
- Requests loud playing.
Fortissimo
- Looks like
- Written ff
- Asks for
- Requests very loud playing.
Fortississimo
- Looks like
- Written fff
- Asks for
- Requests extremely loud playing.
Crescendo
- Looks like
- cresc. or an opening hairpin (<)
- Asks for
- Directs the performer to increase loudness gradually.
Diminuendo
- Looks like
- dim. or a closing hairpin (>)
- Asks for
- Directs the performer to decrease loudness gradually.
Decrescendo
- Looks like
- Written decresc.
- Asks for
- Directs the performer to decrease loudness gradually.
Sforzando
- Looks like
- Written sfz
- Asks for
- Requests a sudden, forceful emphasis.
Sforzato piano
- Looks like
- Written sfp
- Asks for
- Requests an accented attack followed immediately by softness.
Fortepiano
- Looks like
- Written fp
- Asks for
- Requests a strong attack followed immediately by quiet playing.
Rinforzando
- Looks like
- Written rfz
- Asks for
- Calls for reinforced emphasis, often across a brief gesture.
Subito piano
- Looks like
- Written sub. p
- Asks for
- Requests an immediate change to soft playing.
Subito forte
- Looks like
- Written sub. f
- Asks for
- Requests an immediate change to loud playing.
Dolce
- Looks like
- Written dolce
- Asks for
- Requests a sweet or gentle manner of playing.
Cantabile
- Looks like
- Written cantabile
- Asks for
- Requests a singing, lyrical manner of performance.
Espressivo
- Looks like
- Written espress.
- Asks for
- Requests heightened expressive shaping.
Maestoso
- Looks like
- Written maestoso
- Asks for
- Requests a dignified, majestic character.
Agitato
- Looks like
- Written agitato
- Asks for
- Requests a restless or agitated character.
Giocoso
- Looks like
- Written giocoso
- Asks for
- Requests a playful character.
Sostenuto
- Looks like
- Written sostenuto
- Asks for
- Requests a sustained, supported manner.
Con brio
- Looks like
- Written con brio
- Asks for
- Requests vigor and spirited energy.
Other chapters: Staff and Clefs · Pitch and Accidentals · Note Values and Rests · Meter and Grouping · Articulation · Tempo and Navigation · Ornaments · Keyboard, Guitar and Ensemble · Jazz and Contemporary
Engraving styles differ between publishers and periods, and some signs change meaning with style or instrument.
Open the Music Symbols Atlas →