Fortepiano (musical dynamic)

Last updated
The fortepiano dynamic as it appears in modern music Music dynamic fortepiano.svg
The fortepiano dynamic as it appears in modern music

The expression fortepiano (sometimes called forte piano) is a sudden dynamic change used in a musical score, usually with the abbreviation fp, to designate a section of music in which the music should be played loudly (forte), then immediately softly (piano). [1] It is not unusual for it to be followed by a crescendo, a gradual increase in dynamics.[ citation needed ] The word is of Italian etymology literally translated as 'loudsoft'.

Examples

Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 8 begins with a fortepiano:

Grave introduction: first four bars Introduction sonate pathetique.svg
Grave introduction: first four bars

References

  1. Collins Encyclopedia of Music ISBN   0-907486-50-9 Page 217