fortissimos
Peak volume markings
Fortissimos is the plural of fortissimo, a musical direction meaning very loud—the loudest standard dynamic marking.
In musical notation, it appears as *ff*.
The word can function as a noun for passages played at this volume: The symphony builds through a series of fortissimos.
From Italian, literally "very strong."
Full ensemble passage
- brassCopper-zinc metal mixture
- timpaniTunable orchestral percussion
- cymbalsClashing metal percussion
- full orchestraComplete instrumental performing group
symphonic · finale · coda · conductor · score · percussion · fanfare · bombastic
Extremely soft musical dynamics
- crescendosGradual rises in loudness
- diminuendosGradual reductions in loudness
- accentsRegional speech patterns
- fortesPersonal areas of strength
pianos · swells · climaxes · peaks · thundering · blasting · roaring · volume
Intense emotional drive
- intensityStrength or force level
- dramaTheatrical art or turmoil
- triumphResounding, celebrated victory
- angerIntense hostile emotion
exhilaration · catharsis · overwhelming · explosive · release · tension · excitement · fury
Skilled way of performing
- attackAggressive act against another
- embouchureWind player's mouth position
- strikingNoticeably impressive
- hammeringStriking repeatedly with force
projection · stamina · control · precision · execution · interpretation · expression · phrasing
tutti
Full ensemble passage
full orchestra · symphonic · finale · coda · conductor · score · percussion · fanfare · bombastic · majestic
pianissimos
Extremely soft musical dynamics
- crescendosGradual rises in loudness
- diminuendosGradual reductions in loudness
- accentsRegional speech patterns
fortes · pianos · swells · climaxes · peaks · thundering · blasting · roaring · volume · intensity
passion
Intense emotional drive
anger · exhilaration · catharsis · overwhelming · explosive · release · tension · excitement · fury · jubilation
technique
Skilled way of performing
- attackAggressive act against another
- embouchureWind player's mouth position
- strikingNoticeably impressive
hammering · projection · stamina · control · precision · execution · interpretation · expression · phrasing · articulation
fortissimospianissimos
Extremely soft musical dynamics
pianissimo · pp · piano · sotto voce · softly