fortissimo

[fawr-tis-uh-moh, fawr-tees-see-maw]

adjective

1. (a direction) very loud.

adverb

1. (a direction) very loudly.

fortissimo

/ fɔːˈtɪsɪˌməʊ /

adjective

1. ff. very loud

noun

1. a very loud passage in music

fortissimo

1. A musical direction meaning “to be performed very loudly”; the opposite of pianissimo.

Word History and Origins

Origin of fortissimo¹

1715–25; < Italian; superlative of forte forte ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of fortissimo¹

C18: from Italian, from Latin fortissimus , from fortis strong

Example Sentences

There is not yet much coming with “Something Coming,” but his agile voice is a clean, clear tenor projectile expandable into operatic fortissimos and toned down into sweet, soft Broadway-esque whispers.

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When the 48-year-old conductor leans forward to extend his arms and emphasize vibrato or stretches high for a fortissimo during an orchestra concert, the red soles of his patent leather Christian Louboutins become visible.

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On Thursday, the orchestra showed off the clarity of fortissimo passages, layering percussion, brass and strings in handsome tiers.

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Wang is nimble at that alternation, with power and accuracy in fast fingerwork and fortissimo chords — and, just as important, patience and elegance in cooler moments.

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“Some players go for it and some… I really had to say, ‘No that fortissimo isn’t enough.’

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