FAQ: Music terminology
The music terms in this glossary are available for use when notating with NoteWorthy Composer. Each term can be found in the Insert menu of NoteWorthy Composer under the command matching the heading below. For example, Pianissimo is defined under the heading Dynamic. To use a Pianissimo symbol (pp) in NoteWorthy Composer, you would select the Dynamic command from the Insert menu.
Dynamics
Dynamics are terms or symbols that define the level in which the music is to be played. The dynamics listed below are in order from soft to loud.
| Dynamic | Notated | Performed as |
|---|---|---|
| Pianissimo | pp | Very soft |
| Piano | p | Soft |
| Mezzo Piano | mp | Moderately soft |
| Mezzo Forte | mf | Moderately loud |
| Forte | f | Loud |
| Fortissimo | ff | Very loud |
Dynamic Variance
Dynamic Variances are terms or symbols indicating change from soft to loud or loud to soft.
| Name | Notated | Performed as |
|---|---|---|
| Crescendo | cresc. | Gradually play louder |
| Decrescendo | decresc | Gradually play softer |
| Diminuendo | dim. | Play to diminish (decresc) |
| Rinforzando | rfz | Play to reinforce |
| Sforzando | sfz | Play forcibly |
Flow Direction
These terms are used to indicate the direction, or flow of play.
| Name | Performed as |
|---|---|
| Coda | Tail/Marker for al Coda redirections |
| Segno | Sign/Marker for Dal Segno redirections |
| Fine | End play after a redirection |
| To Coda | Go to the Coda |
| Da Capo (D.C.) | From the beginning |
| D.C. al Coda | Play from the beginning to the Coda |
| D.C. al Fine | Play from the beginning to the Fine |
| Dal Segno | From the Segno |
| D.S. al Coda | Play from the Segno to the Coda |
| D.S. al Fine | Play from the Segno to the Fine |
Performance Style
Performance style is the manner in which music is played. NoteWorthy Composer does not generally change its play back style based on performance styles, except in the case of Legato/Tenuto.
| Style Name | Intended Performance Change |
|---|---|
| Ad Libitum | Improvise as you wish |
| Animato | Animated |
| Cantabile | Allow for singing |
| Con brio | Animated |
| Dolce | Sweetly |
| Espressivo | Expressive |
| Grazioso | Gracefully |
| Legato | Smooth and connected |
| Maestoso | Majestically |
| Marcato | Marked |
| Meno mosso | Slower, less lively |
| Poco a poco | Little by little |
| Pił mosso | Faster, more lively |
| Semplice | Simply |
| Simile | Similarly |
| Solo | Alone |
| Sostenuto | Sustained |
| Sotto Voce | Toned down voice |
| Staccato | Short and disconnected |
| Subito | Suddenly |
| Tenuto | Hold for full value |
| Tutti | All |
| Volta Subito | Turn quickly |
Tempo
Tempo terms designate the rate or speed to play the music. The terms below are in order from slow to fast.
| Name | Intended Tempo |
|---|---|
| Largo | Very slow |
| Larghetto | Slow, but not as slow as largo |
| Adagio | Slow |
| Lento | Slow |
| Moderato | Moderate |
| Andante | Walking speed |
| Andantino | A bit faster than andante |
| Allegretto | Moderately fast |
| Allegro | Fast, cheerful |
| Vivace | Lively |
| Presto | Fast |
| Prestissimo | Very fast |
Tempo Variance
These terms and symbols denote a change in speed from slow to fast or fast to slow.
| Name | Intended Change |
|---|---|
| Breath Mark | Pause, take a breath |
| Fermata | Hold longer |
| Accelerando | Increase speed |
| Allargando | Slow down |
| Rallentando | Decrease speed |
| Ritardando | Gradually play slower |
| Ritenuto | Hold back |
| Rubato | Freely |
| Stringendo | Hurry up |
