Subito pianissimo

As Printed on a Score

Printed below the staff as subito pp, sub. pp or pp subito, at the note where the music drops away. It lasts until the next dynamic and usually follows loud music directly, with no diminuendo.

Abbreviations: subito pp, sub. pp, pp subito

How Composers Use It

The most dramatic of the sudden drops: from strength straight to a hush. Players need a moment to make it physically — winds and brass change their air support at once, strings lighten the bow — so a breath, a rest or a change of note helps. Used once in a movement it can be the moment listeners remember; used often it becomes a mannerism.

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