mezzo-forte

dynamicsMET-soh FOR-tayfrom Italian

A dynamic marking meaning moderately loud.‍‌‌‍‍‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌ Abbreviated as mf.

In Depth

Mezzo-forte (mf) means moderately loud — the dynamic level that sits right in the middle of the range between soft and loud.‍‌‌‍‍‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌ It is often considered the default dynamic level, the natural volume at which most instruments and voices produce their most comfortable, balanced tone. Despite its middling position, mezzo-forte is far from neutral. It provides a warm, present sound that projects without forcing. Many passages that lack any dynamic marking are assumed to be at or near mezzo-forte. It serves as an anchor point from which other dynamics derive their meaning — a pianist playing a crescendo from p to ff passes through mf at the midpoint.

Did you know?

Many conductors consider mezzo-forte the hardest dynamic to achieve in an orchestra — it requires everyone to play at exactly the same moderate level, which is harder than being loud or soft.