Pianissimo

Definition

Pianissimo (or pp) stands for very soft volume.

This table shows how dynamics can be compared to the volume of the human voice.

Dynamics (volume)

Dynamic	Voice
pp	almost at a whisper
p	softer than speaking voice
mp	soft speaking voice
mf	loud speaking voice
f	louder than speaking voice
ff	almost shouting

Examples

Pianissimo (pp) is the musical instruction to play very soft

Related concepts

• Piano (N3)
• Mezzo piano (N4)
• Mezzo forte (N4)
• Forte (N3)
• Fortissimo (N5)