β Intermediate Β· Lesson 4 of 5
Tempo, dynamics and articulation
The words and symbols that tell you how to play, not just what. Β· 12 min
Tempo markings
Tempo is written in Italian above the first bar, often with a metronome mark like β©= 100 (100 quarter-note beats per minute).
Rit. / rall. = gradually slower. Accel. = gradually faster. A tempo = return to the original speed.
| Marking | Meaning (approx. BPM) |
|---|---|
| Largo | Very slow, broad (40β60) |
| Adagio | Slow (66β76) |
| Andante | Walking pace (76β108) |
| Moderato | Moderate (108β120) |
| Allegro | Fast, lively (120β156) |
| Presto | Very fast (168β200) |
Dynamics (volume)
Dynamics are written below the staff (between the staves in piano music). p = piano (soft), f = forte (loud). m = mezzo (moderately).
Hairpins: < crescendo (gradually louder), > diminuendo (gradually softer). Also written cresc. and dim.
| Mark | Meaning |
|---|---|
| pp | Pianissimo β very soft |
| p | Piano β soft |
| mp | Mezzo-piano β moderately soft |
| mf | Mezzo-forte β moderately loud |
| f | Forte β loud |
| ff | Fortissimo β very loud |
| sfz | Sforzando β sudden strong accent |
Articulation and phrasing
Articulation marks sit at the notehead (opposite the stem).
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Dot (staccato) | Short, detached |
| Line (tenuto) | Hold for full value, slight weight |
| > (accent) | Play this note louder than its neighbours |
| Curved line, different pitches (slur) | Play smoothly connected (legato) |
| Curved line, same pitch (tie) | Hold as one note; don't re-strike |
| π (fermata) | Hold longer than written, at the performer's discretion |
| π π (repeat signs) | Play the passage between them twice |
Check yourself
You'll see immediately whether each answer is right, and why.
Tempo, dynamics and articulation quiz1 / 6
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