Dynamics (music)

$\relative c' { \set Score.currentBarNumber = #37 \key f \major \time 6/8 f4.\pp f8( g a) bes4( g8) bes( a g) \override DynamicLineSpanner.staff-padding = #2 f(\< f'4)\sf f8(\> e d)\! d4.( c8) }$

The beginning of the principal theme to the third movement of Berlioz's Symphonie fantastique showing examples of pianissimo (pp) and hairpins.

In music, the dynamics of a piece are the variation in loudness between notes or phrases. Dynamics are indicated by specific musical notation, often in some detail. However, dynamics markings require interpretation by the performer depending on the musical context: a specific marking may correspond to a different volume between pieces or even sections of one piece. The execution of dynamics also extends beyond loudness to include changes in timbre and sometimes tempo rubato.