Fortissimo: very loud
Fortissimo, written ff, is an Italian word meaning very strong. It tells you to play or sing very loudly. It is louder than forte (f) and softer than fortississimo (fff).
Fortissimo (say for-TISS-ih-moh) is the Italian superlative of forte, which means loud. So fortissimo means very loud. Its symbol is ff, two italic letters placed below the staff. It stays in force until another dynamic marking replaces it.
How is fortissimo written?
The mark is ff, set below the staff. In piano music it often sits between the two staves. You may also see fff, called fortississimo, which means as loud as the music allows. Rare passages go further, with ffff, but in those cases the meaning depends on the instrument and the context. Composers typically use ff for the most intense moments of a piece, saving it for climaxes.
How loud is fortissimo?
Fortissimo is very loud, but it should still sound musical. A good fortissimo is full and rich, not harsh or shouted. The exact level depends on the instrument. A solo violin at ff is much quieter than a full orchestra at ff. What matters is the contrast within the piece: ff should clearly stand above f and mf, and still leave room for fff if the composer asks for it.
How do you play fortissimo?
- Piano: Use full arm weight and a relaxed shoulder. Do not slam the keys with stiff fingers. Let the weight sink into the keyboard for a big, round tone.
- Strings: Use plenty of bow, with firm weight and a fast bow speed. Play near the bridge for a bright, ringing sound.
- Winds and brass: Use a lot of air with firm breath support. Keep the pitch steady, since loud playing can go sharp. Brass players must also avoid a harsh, blaring sound.
- Voice: Use full breath and open the mouth and throat. Do not push from the throat. In a choir, keep the blend even.
Good to know: If the sound gets ugly, back off a little. A rich, ringing ff always sounds bigger than a forced one.
What is the difference between fortissimo and nearby dynamics?
| Marking | Name | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| mf | Mezzo forte | Medium loud |
| f | Forte | Loud |
| ff | Fortissimo | Very loud |
| fff | Fortississimo | Extremely loud |
Fortissimo applies to a passage, while sforzando is a sudden accent on one note. Fortissimo is also different from a crescendo, which is a gradual increase. A crescendo may lead up to ff, but the ff is the arrival point. See forte for the level just below.
Where do you hear fortissimo?
Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 begins at a loud level, marked ff, with its famous four-note motif. Many orchestral finales end with a big fortissimo chord. Marches, fanfares and organ pieces use it for grand moments. In contrast, a sudden subito pianissimo after an ff can be a strong dramatic effect, because the listener is surprised by the quiet.
Check yourself
1. What does fortissimo mean?
Answer: Very loud. It is the superlative of forte.
2. What is the symbol for fortissimo?
Answer: ff. Two f letters in a row stand for fortissimo.
3. Which is louder than fortissimo?
Answer: Fortississimo (fff). Each extra f means louder.
4. What should a good fortissimo sound like?
Answer: Full and rich, not harsh. Quality of tone matters even when loud.