Dynamics &

Expression
7 & 8 MUSIC
 LEARNING OBJECTIVES & SUCCESS CRITERIA
Develop understanding of the role of dynamics and expression in
composition and performance

Recall and notate different dynamic markings

Recall and notate different expression markings

Manipulate dynamic and expressive markings to create unique

interpretations
 Warm-up questions
Name the following notes

Have a guess at what the following words might mean:

Agitato Energico Espressivo Appassionato Dolce

 Warm-up Answers
Name the following notes

Treble: E A C F Bass: G G C F A A E

Have a guess at what the following words might mean:

Agitato Energico Espressivo Appassionato Dolce

A: Agitated, Energetic, Expressive, Passionately & Sweetly.

 Dynamics
Dynamics are the relative volumes of
sounds. Add to
your
glossary!
We describe the volume of music and sounds on a
scale which ranges from very quiet to very loud.

The words we use to describe each level are

Italian words which describe the volume level.

The symbols used match the Italian word used.

 Add to
your
glossary!
 Expression
Expression concerns the sound qualities,
intensities and performances directions. Add to
your
glossary!
Expression marks or the marks we use on music
to provide other information about how music
could or should be played, including sound
qualities of the note

Expression marks can mean a note is meant to be

accented, shortened, lengthened or played in a
very deliberate manner.
 GRAVE: Very slow and solemn

LARGO: Very slow and broad, with dignity

ADAGIO: Very slow and expressive

Add to
your
ANDANTE: Rather slow, but with a flowing movement ("Walking
glossary!
tempo")

MODERATO: Moderate speed - not fast, not slow

ALLEGRETTO: Light and cheerful, but not as fast as ALLEGRO

ALLEGRO: "Merry", quick, lively, bright

VIVACE: Vivacious, faster than ALLEGRO

PRESTO: Very quick, faster than VIVACE

 Listening
Recall and notate different dynamic markings

Recall and notate different expression markings

Manipulate dynamic and expressive markings to

create unique interpretations
 LEARNING OBJECTIVES & SUCCESS CRITERIA
1. Develop understanding of the role of dynamics and expression in
composition and performance

Recall names and symbols of different dynamic markings

Recall names and symbols of different expression markings
Which dynamic marking describes the
volume of the instrumental section?
Which dynamic marking describes the
volume of this section of the song?
Which dynamic marking(s) describes the
volume of this section of the song?
Which dynamic marking(s) describes the
change in volume in this section of the
song?
Which dynamic marking(s) describes the
change in volume in this section of the
song?
 Faerie’s Aire & Death Waltz

1. Pick two highlighters or coloured pencils

2. Look at the piece of music ‘Faerie’s Aire and Death Waltz’

3. Highlight dynamic markings in one colour

4. Highlight expression markings in the other colour

 Composing
Recall and notate different dynamic markings

Recall and notate different expression markings

Manipulate dynamic and expressive markings to

create unique interpretations