Piano

As Printed on a Score

Printed below the staff as p in bold italic, above the staff in vocal parts; the word piano itself appears mostly in phrases such as sempre piano or più piano, and in older scores where dynamics were written out. It lasts until the next dynamic, hairpin or cresc. Combinations — p dolce, p espress., p subito, sfp — attach character or an accent.

Abbreviations: p

How Composers Use It

Piano is the standard soft dynamic. In orchestration, piano does not mean every instrument plays at the same volume — balance the ensemble so that melody projects over accompaniment even at p. Strings can sustain p indefinitely; winds need more breath support.

Example

Mozart's "Eine kleine Nachtmusik," second movement opening — piano strings creating intimate chamber texture.

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