Dynamics and articulation - EdexcelItalian terms

Dynamics are used to show what volume a piece of music should be played at. Articulation is used to show how to play a note - if it should be short and spikey or smooth.

Part ofMusicMusic theory

Italian terms

Most tempo and expression markings are written in Italian.

Tempo

Here are some Italian terms used to describe tempo:

Largo	Slowly and broadly
Andante	Fairly slow, at walking pace
Moderato	At moderate speed
Allegro	Fast
Vivace	Lively
Presto	Very quick
Accelerando	Gradually speeding up
Rallentando	Gradually slowing down
Ritenuto	Immediately slower
Allargando	Getting slower and broadening
Rubato	Literally 'robbed time', where rhythms are played freely for expressive effect

Largo
Slowly and broadly

Andante
Fairly slow, at walking pace

Moderato
At moderate speed

Allegro
Fast

Vivace
Lively

Presto
Very quick

Accelerando
Gradually speeding up

Rallentando
Gradually slowing down

Ritenuto
Immediately slower

Allargando
Getting slower and broadening

Rubato
Literally 'robbed time', where rhythms are played freely for expressive effect

Articulation

Term	Meaning
Legato	Notes should be played smoothly
Staccato	Notes are shortened
Tenuto	A note to be played for its duration
Sforzando	A note should be given sudden emphasis, similar to an accent
Marcato	This is a type of accent associated with string playing. Pressure needs to be placed on the bow and then released quickly and explosively.

Term	Legato
Meaning	Notes should be played smoothly

Term	Staccato
Meaning	Notes are shortened

Term	Tenuto
Meaning	A note to be played for its duration

Term	Sforzando
Meaning	A note should be given sudden emphasis, similar to an accent

Term	Marcato
Meaning	This is a type of accent associated with string playing. Pressure needs to be placed on the bow and then released quickly and explosively.

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