Notation to return from piano or forte to regular intensity
With ppp, pp, p, mp, mf, f, ff, fff, sfz one denotes the transition from 'regular' intensity to pianississimo, pianissimo, etc.
If I understand correctly placing one of those indicates playing with that intensity from that point of the score onward.
How to denote returning to what was before the regular intensity?
(4)4 Comments
Sorted by latest first Latest Oldest Best
There is no 'regular intensity' in music notation, and no 'regular speed'. You need to specify both at the outset.
But I know what you mean. A DAW, unless instructed otherwise, will probably give MIDI notes a velocity of 100 (or another fixed value) and default to a tempo of 120 b.p.m. (ever noticed how MUCH sequenced music has that tempo? :-) MIDI velocity 100 is probably about 'mf'. And if a lazy composer neglects to specify a dynamic when writing for live players, he'll probably get about mf.
So, OK, I give in. mf.
I would have said: These dynamics are always relative to the preceding signs. If a composer writes dynamics at all, he seldom gives in a forte in somewhere in the middle of a piece without having started it in a probably lesser loudness.
Your link says:
Mezzo forte Moderately loud; softer than forte. If no dynamic
appears, mezzo-forte is assumed to be the prevailing dynamic level.
I wouldn't fully agree with the statement in the link of your answer:
If no dynamic appears, mezzo-forte is assumed to be the prevailing dynamic level.
It means to me, that it's up to me which dynamic I will choose. It could be different from verse to verse or from performance to performance.
Oh! I think I got my answer. I should use mf, is it?
In that page it says.
If no dynamic appears, mezzo-forte is assumed to be the prevailing dynamic level.
I think the clearest option would be to put your intended "base" dynamic at the very start of the score (as you said mf or mp would probably be good options) then you simply put the same marking in whenever appropriate.
I would personally find it a little confusing if there was no dynamic indications at all for the start of the piece and then a "p" or "f" or whatever after that, so I'd try to be explicit from the very start.
Terms of Use Privacy policy Contact About Cancellation policy © freshhoot.com2026 All Rights reserved.