dynamics

Fortepiano is a dynamic marking used to denote an accent or stress in the music by suddenly being loud (forte) and then immediately soft (piano). The marking is written as “fp” directly underneath the note where it occurs. This marking appeared frequently in the eighteenth century as a more flexible system of dynamics was forming. In this example from Paisiello’s overture to Il barbiere di Siviglia, the fortepiano is heard every few seconds from the whole orchestra. This concept should not to be confused with the fortepiano, a keyboard instrument from the eighteenth century.

A sudden dynamic change occurs in music when the volume drastically changes from soft to loud, or from loud to soft, without any gradation between the two. Eighteenth century composers often employed this effect in their music. 

Subito dynamic changes are a common musical effect, where the music suddenly becomes much softer, or louder. This excerpt was taken from the Sinfonia in Bb major by Domenico Cimarosa. Subito dynamic changes arose in popularity in the eighteenth century due to many factors, including increased orchestra coordination, practice, and public appeal.