Mezzo Piano

Find the dynamic under or near the staff at the point where the new level begins. Play the following notes at that level until another instruction changes it. The symbol does not alter which pitch you play, how long each written note lasts, or the basic tempo.

The word mezzo means “moderately.” It modifies piano; mp is still on the quieter side of a typical dynamic range. It is not a measured sound level.

Try mp for a melody over a p accompaniment. The slight difference can help the melody remain audible without turning either part loud. The order of the familiar marks is pp, p, mp, mf, f, ff, from softer toward louder. Their spacing is a musical judgment, not a numeric scale. Repeat the same short phrase at mp and p; a comparison is more informative than asking whether one version is “loud enough” in isolation.

Do not change the beat when you change the volume. Count four equal beats while playing the phrase twice. Also avoid changing articulation accidentally: a softer note can still be detached or accented. Dynamics, Articulation and Terms shows how those instructions work together.

Mark four notes with mp and four with p. Play the eight notes without stopping at the change. Ask a listener to point to the first note where the level shifted. If they cannot hear a difference, adjust the contrast while keeping the same tempo and pitches.