How does one read very loud or very soft dynamic markings (e.g. ffff, ppp)?
Sometimes, scores contain notations like "fff", which presumably indicates that the section in question should be one dynamic level louder than "ff", or "fortissimo".
In my limited musical performance experience, I've heard "3 effs" and "fortissi-issimo" used for "fff", but these sound a little bit informal to me (plus the latter one is obviously faux-Italian).
How are these notations (with more than 2 "f"s or "p"s) pronounced when spoken?
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Some people use "fortississimo" for fff and the equivalent for ppp, but, as you note, that doesn't have any basis in "proper" Italian. American Luke's answer of "fortissimo possibile" is sometimes used for "fff" but only if further gradations, such as "ffff" aren't used. "Triple forte" is the most commonly used expression I've heard in English (with the further gradation "Quadruple forte" used on occasion). But "3 f's" is commonly said and is definitely the primary way I've heard dynamics such as the pppppp ("6 p's") in Tchaikovsky 6th symphony. I've never heard "sextuple piano" used.
Not really an answer, but something that came up last year. We weren't able to build or locate a Mahler hammer and hammer box, so IIRC a second concert bass drum was appropriated and pressed into service. Both drums survived intact.
We pronounced it "fortiss-iss-iss-imo" or just "four fs". The brass, just in front of us, pronounced it "Dear Lord! My ears! My ears!"
Bryant, S. "Ecstatic Waters", 2008
fff is pronounced fortissimo possibile or forte fortissimo
ff is pronounced fortissimo
f is pronounced forte
mf is pronounced mezzo-forte
mp is pronounced mezzo-piano
p is pronounced piano
pp is pronounced pianissimo
ppp is pronounced pianissimo possibile or piano pianissimo
More than three p's or f's are rarely rarely used. Their only purpose is to note extremely quiet or loud passages, simply for dramatic emphasis. You can simply regard them as fff's or ppp's (respectively). If necessary, add a little emphasis. Very pianissimo possibile. Extremely fortissimo possibile. There's no correct way to pronounce four or more f's or p's because they are not really standard. As long as you convey the extreme emphasis on playing softly or loudly, you'll be fine.
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