Notation
Skills
Dynamics Chart
Below is an excerpt from Beethoven’s symphony no. 1 in C major.
The circled portions of the notation are DYNAMIC markings.
Dynamics refer to the volume of the notes above the markings. They can tell the performer to either increase or decrease the volume of a note, relative to a note without any dynamic markings.
More dynamics terms;
crescendo
decrescendo
diminuendo
Louder
Softer
Softer
(cresc)
(decresc)
(dim)
(cresc.)
(decresc.)
Volume of this note increases
Volume of this note decreases
When we look at the Beethoven excerpt again, we can realize what the player should be doing to the volume of the notes.
Musicians can use combinations of these dynamic markings to paint a descriptive picture of what the volume of certain notes should be.
