Piano (dynamics)
Soft, symbol p.
What it means
Piano means “soft, gentle” and designates the basic level of the soft side of the dynamic scale. It is notated as p. Its counterpart is forte (f); between them lie mezzopiano and mezzoforte, below them pianissimo and pianississimo.
Like all dynamic markings, piano is relative: the level is determined by the relation to the other markings of the piece and by the scoring. What is meant, moreover, is not only a volume but also a tonal quality — a piano should sound soft and sustaining, not pressed or uncertain.
The word is also encountered as the name of the keyboard instrument; the full designation pianoforte points to the fact that, unlike the harpsichord, this instrument can play soft and loud.
In the notation
The sign p stands below the staff, for vocal parts above the text, and applies from the note under which it stands until the next marking. In combinations it appears as mp, pp, ppp, or fp. With subito it calls for a sudden change, with sempre for maintaining it over a longer stretch.
Musical use
Piano belongs among the oldest notated dynamic markings and appears as early as the early seventeenth century, usually in direct alternation with forte. This juxtaposition shapes the terraced dynamics of the Baroque. In the Viennese Classical period and the Romantic era, the scale is differentiated, and p moves from one of the two poles into the middle of a larger series. In an accompaniment it designates the volume at which the main voice remains free.
In English the marking is taken over unchanged as piano. It is notated with p.
Performance practice
Keep the tone supported: soft means less energy, not less control. Watch the intonation, and with winds the response, which suffers first when playing quietly. Check, in ensemble, the relation to the main voice. And keep reserve toward the bottom, in case pianissimo or below still occurs in the piece — whoever is already at the limit at p has no room left later.