Explore Articulation & Expression with music dictionary guides to legato, staccato, accents, phrasing, mood, and musical character.
Agitato is an Italian musical term meaning “agitated,” used to instruct performers to play with a restless, hurried, or emotionally charged character. It modifies tempo markings rather than specifying a precise speed, shaping the mood of a passage.
Con brio is an Italian musical expression meaning “with vigor” or “with spirit.” It directs performers to play a passage energetically, often alongside faster tempos, and is used across classical and contemporary repertoire.
Maestoso is an Italian musical term indicating a majestic, dignified tempo and expression, used across classical and popular music.
Smorzando is an Italian musical term indicating a gradual dying away of sound, often combined with a decrease in tempo or dynamics. It guides performers to soften both volume and motion, creating a sense of fading or dissolution.
Dolce is an Italian expression marking indicating that a passage should be played sweetly, gently, or with a tender character. It is used across a range of musical styles to shape phrasing and emotional tone.
Subito is an Italian musical term meaning “suddenly.” It is used in scores to indicate an abrupt change in tempo, dynamics, or articulation, such as subito forte or subito accelerando.
Risoluto is an Italian expression marking meaning “resolved” or “firm,” directing musicians to play passages with a decisive, emphatic character.
Sostenuto is a musical articulation and piano pedal marking indicating that previously sounded notes should be held while subsequent notes are played without sustaining.
Giocoso is an Italian musical term meaning “playful” or “joyful.” It is used as an expressive indication to convey a light‑hearted character, often influencing tempo, articulation, and phrasing.
Pomposo is an Italian musical expression marking that directs performers to play in a majestic, pompous manner, often used in classical and operatic works.