UNIT IV
DYNAMICS
AND TEMPO
Lesson 14: dynamics
What is DYNAMICS?
 The volume of the sound, as well as the style
in which the performer plays the
instrument/music
 It is important to not confuse how loud or soft
something is on a recorded performance. It
is easy to turn up (or down) the volume using
an electronic device.
 Refers to the terms and symbols used to
show the degree of intensity of a musical
composition
Dynamics terms are often
expressed in Italian
 Study the table showing some dynamics
terms,symbols and meanigs
Dynamics
Term
SYMBOL Meaning
piano p soft
pianissimo pp Very soft
pianissisimo ppp Very,very soft
mezzo piano mp Moderately soft
Dynamics
Term
SYMBOL Meaning
forte f loud
fortissimo ff Very loud
fortissisimo fff Very,very loud
mezzo forte mf Moderately loud
Dynamics
Term
SYMBOL Meaning
crescendo ˂ From soft gradually
going louder
decrescendo ˃ From loud gradually
going softer
diminuendo dim Gradually decrease of
tone
Barnum
 Is a lively and beautiful song from the
broadway barnum
Wonderful Copenhagen
 Is a lovely musical piece.
Drink to Me Only with Thine
Eyes
 Is an English folk song.
dynamics and tempo

dynamics and tempo