Dynamics in Music

Dynamics in Music

• Dynamics are elements of music that express emotion through symbols.
• Dynamics refer to the artistic increase and decrease in the sound of a song or composition.
• Dynamics can be likened to perspective and color intensity in art.
• Soft, light sounds express peace or distance.
• Loud sounds convey excitement, life, and youth.
• Volume or intensity refers to the loudness or softness of a sound.
• Musical intensity changes based on the composer's intended emotion.
• Symbols indicate different dynamic levels, guiding performers to bring musical compositions to life.
• Words like soft or loud commonly describe dynamics.
• Specific terms express correct sound levels.

Levels of Dynamics

• Pianissimo (pp): Very soft
• Piano (p): Soft
• Meso Piano (mp): Moderately soft
• Forte (f): Loud
• Meso Forte (mf): Moderately loud
• Fortissimo (ff): Very loud
• Crescendo: Gradually increasing in volume (symbol resembles the less than symbol in math)
• Decrescendo: Gradually decreasing in volume (symbol is the reverse of crescendo).

Dynamics and Musical Interpretation

• Dynamics help express emotions in a song.
• Dynamics guide singers and musicians.
• Dynamics enhance musical compositions.

Activity: Blow Gently Blow

• Analyze the dynamics in the score of "Blow Gently Blow."
• Sing the song with the help of a parent or sibling.
• Record the performance on video.
• Share video in the class's group chat or messenger.
• "Blow Gently Blow" contains piano (p), crescendo, decrescendo, forte (f), and pianissimo (pp) dynamic markings.

Activity: Ako ay Pilipino (I am Filipino)

• Study the dynamics symbols in "Ako ay Pilipino."
• Learn the song and perform it to the best of your ability.
• Perform the song with correct dynamics with a parent or sibling..
• Record the performance on video.
• Share video in the class's group chat or messenger.
• "Ako ay Pilipino" includes pianissimo (pp), piano (p), crescendo, mezzo forte (mf), and decrescendo dynamic markings.

Dynamics Performance Rubric

• Demonstrated varied dynamics in the song.
• Followed appropriate dynamic levels.
• Used suitable movements and voice in the performance.
• Sang the song well.
• Showcased artistic performance.
• The rating scale includes:
  • 5 points: Excellent
  • 4 points: Good
  • 3 points: Acceptable
  • 2 points: Needs Improvement
  • 1 point: Needs Practice

Clapping Activity

• Show creativity through clapping.
• Emphasize the different dynamics with the use of clapping.
• Dynamics levels in clapping:
  • Pianissimo: Very light clapping
  • Piano: Light clapping
  • Meso piano: Moderately soft clapping
  • Forte: Loud clapping
  • Meso forte: Moderately loud clapping
  • Fortissimo: Very loud clapping
  • Crescendo: Gradually increase clapping volume
  • Decrescendo: Gradually decrease clapping volume

Clapping Rubric

• Clear performance.
• Fitting use of movement or voice.
• Artistic performance.

Distinguishing Dynamics Levels

• Crescendo vs. Decrescendo: Crescendo is gradually getting louder, decrescendo is gradually getting softer.
• Piano vs. Forte: Piano is soft, forte is loud.
• Pianissimo vs. Fortissimo: Pianissimo is very soft, fortissimo is very loud.
• Meso Forte vs. Meso Piano: Meso forte is moderately loud, meso piano is moderately soft.
• Pianissimo vs. Piano: Pianissimo is softer than piano.

True or False Activity

• Uyayi (lullabies) are sung softly (True).
• The symbol for decrescendo is MP (False).
• Mothers sing forte to put babies to sleep (False).
• Pianissimo is softer than piano (True).
• Voices or instruments should gradually increase when the dynamic is crescendo (True).