Pianissimo

/piˌænɪˈsɪmoʊ/ adverb

Definition

Pianissimo is a musical direction that means 'very soft' in volume.

Etymology

From Italian 'pianissimo', the superlative of 'piano' meaning 'soft, quiet'. Italian has long been the standard language for musical instructions in Western music.

Kelly Says

On a music score, 'pp' is a tiny code that tells players to almost whisper with their instruments. Some of the most powerful musical moments happen not in loud crashes, but in pianissimo passages where the audience leans in to listen.

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