| Term |
Definition |
| Arco |
With the bow |
| Detache |
Each note bowed separately, played broadly |
| Col legno |
With the stick of the bow |
| Legato |
Smooth, connected |
| Marcato |
With distinct emphasis |
| Pizzicato |
Pluck strings with fingers |
| Rinforzando |
With special accent / emphasis |
| Sforzando |
Form of attack, emphasis |
| Sostenuto |
Sustained |
| Staccato |
Separated |
| Tenuto |
Hold for full value |
|
|
| Pianissimo (pp) |
Very soft |
| Piano (p) |
soft |
| Mezzo piano (mp) |
Moderately soft |
| Mezzo forte (mf) |
Moderately loud |
| Forte (f) |
Loud |
| Fortissimo (ff) |
Very loud |
| Forte – piano (fp) |
Loud attack then suddenly soft |
| Crescendo (cresc.) |
Becoming louder |
| Decrescendo (decresc.) |
Becoming softer |
| Diminuendo (dim.) |
Diminishing |
| Subito piano (sub p.) |
Suddenly soft |
