In music, dynamics are an important part of expression. Dynamics are about the volume of the music – i.e. how loud or soft it is being played. Italian words are usually used to specify dynamic levels and they are written on the sheet music in abbreviated forms as follows:
pp stands for pianissimo which means very soft.
p stands for piano which means soft.
mp stands for mezzo piano which means moderately soft.
mf stands for mezzo forte which means moderately loud.
f stands for forte which means loud.
ff stands for fortissimo which means very loud.
The dynamics above are often used to achieve contrasts in loudness and softness such as when going from very loud to very soft. More subtle differences can also be achieved e.g. by going from soft to very soft. When one of the dynamic levels above is indicated on the sheet music, it is usually assumed that you continue playing at that dynamic level until the next indication of dynamics appears. However this can be affected by context, interpretation and phrasing.
Gradations of tone are another way of varying the loudness or softness of the music. These are where the music gradually gets louder or softer, little by little, as opposed to suddenly changing in volume. Here are examples of these kinds of dynamics:
Crescendo or cresc. means gradually getting louder.
Diminuendo or dim. (occasionally decrescendo) means gradually getting softer.
As I mentioned above, dynamics are a very important part of expressive playing in music, and they help to bring the music to life. Without dynamics, the music can sound mechanical and uninteresting. Playing a piece of music well isn’t just about playing the right notes. Subtle changes in dynamics can help to give shape to melodic lines. Nuances help to convey meaning which may not come across otherwise. Contrasts in dynamics can add drama and passion. Music is about communication – imagine listening to someone speaking in a monotone. The effect would be similar if you listened to a piece of music played without any dynamics whatsoever. Just as tone of voice can convey more meaning than the words alone, dynamics can help express what the music is trying to communicate more than notes alone. Often, musically minded people include some subtle dynamic shaping in their playing without really thinking about it. By following the instructions for dynamics written on the music they can add even more depth and polish to their playing.
More on expression and performance directions.
Read about how working on dynamics and touch can develop technique.
To hear expressive phrasing and dynamics in action, listen to my A Rhapsody in Chiaroscuro — an original piano improvisation shaped with Romantic rubato, harmonic complexity, and contemporary colour.
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