Pianissimo

/ˌpi.əˈnɪsɪməʊ/ adv, noun

adv, noun ·Moderate ·High school level

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    A dynamic sign indicating that a portion of music should be played pianissimo.
  2. 2
    (music) low loudness wordnet
  3. 3
    A portion of music that is played very softly.

    "If the Randall Thompson Alleluia lacked the otherworldly awe and mystery the composer intended, the BGMC offered a fair accounting of the work with some wonderfully hushed pianissimos and clearly delineated contrasts in mood."

Adjective
  1. 1
    (chiefly a direction or description in music) very soft wordnet
Adverb
  1. 1
    Indicating that the piece is to be played very softly.
Adverb
  1. 1
    a direction in music; to be played very softly wordnet

Example

More examples

"If the Randall Thompson Alleluia lacked the otherworldly awe and mystery the composer intended, the BGMC offered a fair accounting of the work with some wonderfully hushed pianissimos and clearly delineated contrasts in mood."

Etymology

From Italian pianissimo.

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