Pianissimo
adverb
In music, a direction to play very softly.
The violinist was directed to play the piece pianissimo.
Often appears as...
- play pianissimo
- sung pianissimo
Usage tips
Technical
adjective
Referring to a very soft or the softest volume in music.
The pianissimo segment of the performance was beautifully executed.
Often appears as...
- pianissimo section
- pianissimo note
Usage tips
Technical
adverb
In music, a direction to play very softly.
The violinist was directed to play the piece pianissimo.
Often appears as...
- play pianissimo
- sung pianissimo
Usage tips
Technical
adjective
Referring to a very soft or the softest volume in music.
The pianissimo segment of the performance was beautifully executed.
Often appears as...
- pianissimo section
- pianissimo note
Usage tips
Technical
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Orchestral Use
Common in orchestral instructions, signifying a need for a very gentle touch.
The conductor marked the score 'pianissimo' for a delicate sound.
Pro Tip 2/3Dynamic Contrast
Used to create contrast in music, makes louder sections stand out.
After a loud crescendo, the pianist returned to a haunting pianissimo.
Pro Tip 3/3Solo Performance
In solo music, pianissimo challenges the performer's control and precision.
Her piano solo was mesmerizing, especially the pianissimo parts.
Pro Tip 1/3Orchestral Use
Common in orchestral instructions, signifying a need for a very gentle touch.
The conductor marked the score 'pianissimo' for a delicate sound.
Pro Tip 2/3Dynamic Contrast
Used to create contrast in music, makes louder sections stand out.
After a loud crescendo, the pianist returned to a haunting pianissimo.
Pro Tip 3/3Solo Performance
In solo music, pianissimo challenges the performer's control and precision.
Her piano solo was mesmerizing, especially the pianissimo parts.
Pro Tip 1/3Orchestral Use
Common in orchestral instructions, signifying a need for a very gentle touch.
The conductor marked the score 'pianissimo' for a delicate sound.
Pro Tip 2/3Dynamic Contrast
Used to create contrast in music, makes louder sections stand out.
After a loud crescendo, the pianist returned to a haunting pianissimo.
Pro Tip 3/3Solo Performance
In solo music, pianissimo challenges the performer's control and precision.
Her piano solo was mesmerizing, especially the pianissimo parts.
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Quote examples
John Densmore
American Musician
I grew up listening to my parents' albums. Many of them were either classical - Bach, Beethoven and Brahms - or easy listening, like Mantovani. I loved the spectrum of emotions in classical music, from fortissimo to pianissimo. My early passion for classical made my drumming more musical later on.
Quote examples
Esa-Pekka Salonen
Finnish Musician
With American orchestras, in particular, because they play in such huge halls, getting a true pianissimo is very hard.
Quote examples
John Densmore
American Musician
I grew up listening to my parents' albums. Many of them were either classical - Bach, Beethoven and Brahms - or easy listening, like Mantovani. I loved the spectrum of emotions in classical music, from fortissimo to pianissimo. My early passion for classical made my drumming more musical later on.
Quote examples
Esa-Pekka Salonen
Finnish Musician
With American orchestras, in particular, because they play in such huge halls, getting a true pianissimo is very hard.
Example 1 of 2
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