What do Dynamics MEAN?!

1/29/2018

Dynamics are essentially musical volume. Dynamics help to create a few important musical structures: mood, scenery, shading, and character.

Mood - Otherwise known as emotional disposition. What temper do you want to be? The tone of the piece can really set how someone feels.
Scenery - Otherwise known as the landscape view of the piece. Are you in a circus or are you depressed because your doll broke? These are important backdrops to what is happening in the music.
Shading - What is the color of the piece? What is going to happen? Ask yourself this question. If the piece is about goblins on Halloween night, you probably don't want to scream the music. Volume gives the listener hints about what is to come, and about what is happening.
Character - This is the personality and overall charm of the music. Is this a piece that is strong, dark, and handsome? Declare who you are through sound!

Now that we've covered the important expression dynamics encompasses, what do those symbols ACTUALLY MEAN?

ppp - Pianississimo

pp - Pianissimo

p - Piano

mp - Mezzo Piano

mf- Mezzo Forte

f - Forte

ff - Fortissimo

fff - Fortississimo

sfz or sf- Sforzando or Sforzato

fp or sfp - Forte Piano or Sforzando Piano

Cresc. or Crescendo <

Dim. or Diminuendo >

Fearless Music, Adventures of Sound