fortissimo
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).
Adjective:
- Describing a passage of music that is to be performed very loudly. It characterizes the dynamic quality of the sound.
Noun:
- A note, chord, or passage played or sung very loudly. It can also refer to the symbol (ff) itself that indicates this dynamic.
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.
"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.
- 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.
- 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.*
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.
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.
- chiefly a direction or description in music
- a direction in music; to be played very loudly
- (music) loud