Dynamics, articulation and form
Dynamics
Dynamics is loudness in music. It is shown by letters under the staff: p means soft, f means loud.
Dynamic signs are abbreviations of Italian words. p is piano, soft. f is forte, loud. Two letters mean “very”: pp, pianissimo, very soft; ff, fortissimo, very loud. The letter m stands for mezzo, half: mf, mezzo forte, medium loud; mp, mezzo piano, medium soft. From softest to loudest: pp, p, mp, mf, f, ff.
A sign is written under the staff, below the note where it starts, and holds until the next one appears. Loudness can also change gradually: an opening wedge is a crescendo, getting louder; a closing wedge is a diminuendo, getting softer.
The instrument’s full name, pianoforte, is made of these two words: an instrument that can play both soft and loud. The notes stay the same; dynamics bring them to life.
What it sounds like
Piano sounds soft but clear, like a whisper. Forte is full-voiced, but not banging. Between them lie all the other levels.
Where it is taught: the studio’s interactive textbook, chapter 17, “Dynamics and articulation”.