Definition

1. Adverb:

   • A musical direction indicating that a passage should be played or sung very loudly. It represents a high degree of volume, stronger than forte (loud) but not as extreme as fortississimo (very, very loud).

2. Adjective:

   • Describing a passage of music that is to be performed very loudly. It characterizes the dynamic quality of the sound.

3. Noun:

   • A note, chord, or passage played or sung very loudly. It can also refer to the symbol (ff) itself that indicates this dynamic.

Examples of Usage

• Adverb:

  • The composer marked the final chord fortissimo.
  • The brass section entered fortissimo, creating a powerful climax.

• Adjective:

  • The fortissimo section requires the full strength of the orchestra.
  • He struggled to maintain control during the fortissimo passage.

• Noun:

  • The symphony's opening is a sudden fortissimo.
  • The pianist executed the fortissimo with great power.

Advanced Usage

• "Fortissimo possibile": An instruction meaning "as loud as possible," indicating the utmost volume achievable.

  • The score reads "fortissimo possibile" for the finale.

• Dynamic Contrast: Often used in contrast with pianissimo (very soft) to create dramatic musical tension.

  • The movement alternates between haunting pianissimo and thunderous fortissimo.

Variants and Related Words

• Forte (f) (adj/adv/n): Loud. (A weaker dynamic than ).
• Fortississimo (fff) (adj/adv/n): Very, very loud. (A stronger dynamic than ).
• Sforzando (sfz) (adj/adv/n): A sudden, strong accent on a single note or chord, which can be executed at a dynamic.

Synonyms

• Very loudly (general description)
• At full volume (general description)

Note: In musical terminology, specific dynamic markings like *fortissimo are preferred over general synonyms for precision.*

Related Phrases (Musical Directions)

• Crescendo al fortissimo: Gradually become louder until reaching a fortissimo.

  • The string section has a long crescendo al fortissimo.

• Subito fortissimo: Suddenly very loud.

  • After a quiet section, there is a subito fortissimo chord.

Related Idioms

While not idioms in the traditional sense, the following are common musical instructions involving *fortissimo:* - Forte-piano (fp): Loud, then immediately soft. The initial attack is often at a fortissimo level. - The timpani roll ends with a forte-piano accent.

Adjective

1. chiefly a direction or description in music

Adverb

1. a direction in music; to be played very loudly

Noun

1. (music) loud