Dynamic Music Terms

(Derived from Italian)

Crescendo - A gradual increase in power

Decescendo - Gradually diminishing the power.

Diminuendo - Gradually dininished in power.

Forte - Loud, strong.

Fortepiano - Attack loudly; sustain softly.

Fortissimo - Very loud.

Mezzo forte - Moderate loud

Mezzo piano - Moderately soft.

Piano - Soft

Pianissimo - Very soft.

 

Expression Indications for Music

(All derived from Italian)

Affeto - Sorrowfully, mournfully.

Affettuoso - With tender expression.

Amabile - Amiable, graceful, gentle

Amorevole - Loving, gentle.

Animato - Annimated; with spirit.

Animo - Spirit.

Appassionato - Passionate, intense.

Bravura - Spirit, skill, requiring dexterity

Brillante - Brilliant, sparkling.

Brio - Sprightliness, spirit.

Calmo - Calm, tranquil.

Caloroso - Warm, animated.

Cantabile - In a singing style, smoothly.

Capriccioso - Capriciously, fancifully.

Deciso - Boldly, decidely.

Doice - Sweetly.

Doloroso - Sadly, sorrowfully.

Expressione - Expression.

Espressivo - Expressive.

Forza - Force, power.

Fuoco - Fire, passion.

Furioso - Furious, vehement.

Gaio - Gay.

Giocoso - Merry, humorous.

Giovale - Jovial.

Grazioso - Graceful.

Maestoso - Majestic, stately.

Marcia - March

Marziale - Martial.

Misterioso - Myteriously.

Piangendo - Plaintively, sorrowfully.

Pomposo - Pompous.

Ponderoso - Ponderous; strongly marked.

Precisione - Precision, exactness.

Risoluto - Resolute, hold.

Scherzando - Jestingly.

Scherzo - A jest, or play. A piece in lively tempo and jesting style.

Secco - Unornamented.

Sempilce - Simple, in a pure style.

Sentimentale - Sentimental.

Sentimento - Sentiment.

Sereno - Serene, tranquil.

Serioso - Gravely, seriously.

Spirito - Spirit; fire, energy

Spiritoso - Spirited.

Teneramente - Tenderly; delicately.

Tranquillo - Tranquil, calm.

 

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