GCSE Dynamics What is dynamics The different levels

GCSE Dynamics

What is dynamics? The different levels of loudness or softness in a piece of music Indicated by letters, signs, abbreviations or symbols in the music

2 Main Types p – ‘soft’ Italian = piano f – ‘loud’/ ‘strong’ Italian = forte

Other Types ff – very loud (fortissimo) fff – extremely loud (fortississimo) pp – very soft (pianissimo) ppp – extremely soft (pianississimo)

Other Types More subtle shades of dynamics: mp – moderately soft(mezzo piano) mf – moderately loud(mezzo forte) Remember: Levels are relative to each other – left to performer to consider factors e. g. size of room

Other Types fp – loud, then suddenly soft(forte- piano) fz, sf or sfz – suddenly forcing or accenting a note (forzato) sfp– suddenly forcing or accenting a note followed by piano

You. Tube Listening Haydn’s Symphony No. 94 in G, nicknamed the ‘Surprise’ Symphony Watch out for the sudden loud, fortissimo chord which was one of Haydn’s famous jokes to ‘make all the ladies jump’! Starts: p, then pp

Gradual Changes crescendo (cresc. ) – getting louder decrescendo (decresc. ) or diminuendo (dim. ) – getting softer

Gradual Changes molto (‘more’)– for quicker changes e. g. molto cresc. poco a poco (‘little by little’) – for slower changes e. g. poco a poco cresc.

Gradual Changes hairpins – symbols for quicker changes (over a bar or two) * look like old fashioned hairpins! * getting softer getting louder