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Expressive Terms
Definitions of different expressive markings
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Crescendo | Gradual INCREASE in VOLUME |
| Diminuendo | Gradual DECREASE in VOLUME |
| Forte | Loud |
| Fortissimo | Very loud |
| Piano | Quiet |
| Pianissimo | Very quiet |
| Accelerando | Gradual INCREASE in TEMPO |
| Rallentando | Gradual DECREASE in TEMPO |
| Tenuto | Note should hold full value of its beat. |
| Staccato | Note should be brief, or sharp. |
| Fermata | Used to show that note should be held longer than normal, at the conductors will. |
| Animato | Lively, Animated, Excited |
| Dolce | Sweet, Tender, Adoring |
| Energico | Forceful, Energetic, Strong |
| Maestoso | Stately, or Majestic |