This document discusses musical expression through tempo and dynamics. It lists Italian terms that indicate different tempos from very slow to very fast. It also discusses modifiers that can change the base tempo indication. Additionally, it outlines dynamics from very soft to very loud and symbols that indicate crescendos, decrescendos, and accented notes.

1. Music Terminology
Chapter 7
Musical Expression: Tempo and Dynamics

2. Tempo
• Grave (very, very slow)
• Largo (very slow)
• Adagio (slow)
• Andante (walking pace, “relaxed”)
• Moderato (moderate)
• Allegro (fast)
• Vivace (lively)
• Presto (very fast)

3. Other Tempo markings
• Other Italian words that can modify the music include:
molto (very)
meno (less)
poco (a little)
non troppo (not too much)
• Tempo may change and is indicated with the following
accelerando - getting faster
" " "
ritardando - getting slower#
# # #
A tempo - Return to original tempo

4. Dynamics
• pianissimo (pp) - very soft
• piano (p) - soft
• mezzo piano (mp) - moderately soft
• mezzo forte (mf) - moderately loud
• forte (f) - loud
• fortissimo (ff) - very loud

5. Changes in dynamics can be written with words or
signs
crescendo - growing louder (<)
decrescendo/diminuendo - growing softer (>)#
sforzando ( sf / sfz )- “forcing” accent (beginning of
note is loud the duration is softer)