  
9
Dynamics
Musicians generally use Italian terms to describe dynamics.
As learned in the Prelude, dynamics refer to the
loudness or softness of a musical sound.
In the era when these terms began to be used regularly in Western
music, Italy dominated the musical scene. The two basic terms used
are forte (loud) and piano
(soft). The harpsichord, an earlier keyboard instrument, was incapable
of being played at varying dynamic levels based on how hard or soft
the keys were depressed. During the eighteenth century, manufacturers
began experimenting with new techniques of sound production for
keyboard instruments. They began making instruments in which a hammer
struck the string when a key was depressed. Depending on how
forcefully the keys were depressed affected the dynamic level of
the notes played. One of these newfangled instruments was called
a pianoforte or, "soft-loud." Today, the name has been
shortened to merely piano, even though we all realize varying dynamics
are possible.
Following is a list of terms and symbols used to represent dynamic
levels.
  
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