Aaron Shearer

(Re: the Text, p. 12)

Expression consists of those mysterious elements in music that prompt a wide range of emotional responses in the listener. Those responses can range all the way from happy to sad, from making us want to move in time with the beat, to making us feel quiet and restful. But such responses do not automatically occur solely through the simple sounding of notes. Rather they result from the performer’s playing expressively. Acquiring the ability to play with effective expression requires much thoughtful practice.

We have begun this important area of musical study with just two expression marks or signs both of which are essential in creating expression. These and other expression signs and terms (which are mostly Italian), are commonly placed in music to indicate the composer’s expressive intentions. Abbreviations are usually used in a musical score, but are rarely used verbally; only the full terms are spoken. Thus, in addition to learning their meanings we need also to learn their correct pronunciations.

    ……..Aaron Shearer

    Abbreviation
    Term
    Pronunciation
    Meaning
    p
    piano
    pe-ahn-oh
    soft volume
    f
    forte
    for-tay
    loud volume
    m (only used as mp, or mf)
    mezzo
    met-zo
    half volume, used with mezzo forte (mf), and mezzo piano (mp)
    cresc.
    crescendo
    kreh-shen-doh
    gradually play louder, also indicated with an opening wedge
    dim.
    diminuendo
    di-min-u-en-doh
    gradually play softer, also indicated with an closing wedge
    accel.
    accelerando
    uh-chel-lr-ahn-doh
    gradually change to a faster tempo
    rit. or ritard
    ritardando
    ri-tar-dahn-doh
    gradually change to a slower tempo
    a tempo
    ah-tem-poh
    return to the original tempo, often following rit or accel
    senza
    sen-zah
    "without" as in senza rit—without ritardando
    poco
    poh-coh
    "little" as in poco rit, poco accel, etc.