Fortepiano (musical dynamic)

The expression fortepiano (sometimes called forte piano) is a sudden dynamic change used in a musical score, usually with the abbreviation fp, to designate a section of music in which the music should be played loudly (forte), then immediately softly (piano).[1] It is not unusual for it to be followed by a crescendo, a gradual increase in dynamics. The word is of Italian etymology literally translated as 'loudsoft'.

The fortepiano dynamic as it appears in modern music

Examples

Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 8 begins with a fortepiano:

Grave introduction: first four bars
Grave introduction: first four bars

References
  1. Collins Encyclopedia of Music ISBN 0-907486-50-9 Page 217
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