Reading Music:Dynamics & Articulations

Mr. TestMusic Appreciation

TRHS South

Setting the MoodSo far, we have explored the “nuts &

bolts” of written music:PitchesAccidentals & keysTempo & rhythms

While all of the above are important, they can only go so far to create the “feel” (character) of a musical work.

Dynamics & articulations complete the musical picture for the performers.

Dynamics

Dynamics are the symbols that tell performers how soft or loud to play a line.

There are two types of dynamics:Symbols that tell performers specific

volume levelsSymbols that tell performers to get

louder or softer during the course of a line

For specific volume levels, composers use italicized initials that stand for Italian names for volume:= very soft (pianissimo)

= soft (piano)

= medium soft (mezzo-piano)

= medium loud (mezzo-forte): the “default” volume for most music

= loud (forte)

= very loud (fortissimo)

Dynamics: Volume Symbols

Music does not normally go directly from soft to loud or vice-versa; usually, there is a gradual increase or decrease in volume.

The original gradual change symbols are Italian, italicized abbreviations: cresc. - gradually louder (crescendo) decresc. - gradually softer (decrescendo)

For more precise expression, “hairpin” symbols are used: - crescendo - decrescendo

Dynamics: Gradual Changes

Dynamics in Music Dynamics are almost always placed

underneath the staff.

Example with italicized words (only the melody line is shown):

Same example with “hairpin” symbols:

Articulations are attached to individual or groups of notes; they tell the performer the style to use to play the note(s).

Nearly all articulations are placed over/under the note head, on the opposite side of the stem.

Some basic articulations include:Accent: sharp “attack” on the beginning of the

note.Staccato: played quickly and with separation.Legato: played smoothly without separation.

Articulations

Articulation Examples Accent: “>” over/under each note:

Staccato: “.” over/under each note:

Legato: Arc across notes:

Putting It All Together The notes, rhythms, tempo, dynamics,

and articulations all combine to create the particular “feel” of a piece.

Modifying any (or all!) of these parts can completely change how a piece feels to the listener.

A good composer or songwriter masters all of these elements, as well as melody & harmony, to create wonderful works of music.

Congratulations!

Now you have all the basics of music literacy: note names, rhythms, and artistic elements.

However, remember that these are the basics! There is plenty more to learn; that is where music theory comes in.