brillante

dynamicsbril-LAN-tayfrom Italian

A performance direction meaning brilliantly, with sparkling virtuosity‍​‍​‍​‌​‍​‌​‍​‌​‌​‌​‍​‍​‌​‍​‌​‍​‌​‍​‍​‌​‍​‌​‍​‍​‌​‌​‌​‍​‌​‌​‍​‍

In Depth

Brillante calls for dazzling technical display and a bright, projecting tone.‍​‍​‍​‌​‍​‌​‍​‌​‌​‌​‍​‍​‌​‍​‌​‍​‌​‍​‍​‌​‍​‌​‍​‍​‌​‌​‌​‍​‌​‌​‍​‍ It is often paired with tempo markings (Allegro brillante) and appears most frequently in concertos and virtuoso showpieces where the performer is expected to impress. The tone quality should be clear and ringing rather than heavy, with crisp articulation and bold dynamics. The term carries connotations of display, confidence, and extroversion.
Did you know?

Chopin's Grand Polonaise brillante, Op. 22, is one of the most famous pieces bearing this instruction — a work of glittering pianistic fireworks.

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virtuosocon briovivaceenergico

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