Expression - Dynamic Signs

DYNAMIC SIGNS indicate volume, or how soft or loud the music should be played. Dynamic signs are also written in Italian. They are written below the staff.

The word piano in Italian means soft; the word forte means loud.

            The most commonly used dynamic signs are:

            Mezzo means moderately; issimo means very.

            Dynamic signs arranged in order from very soft to very loud, are: pp, p, mp, mf, f, ff.

A Gradual Change in Dynamics

Terms used to indicate gradual change in volume from soft to loud or loud to soft are: