(ff) fortissimo

Definition: Fortissimo is an indication to play very loudly; louder than forte, but softer than fortississimo.

Fortissimo is abbreviated ff, but can also be written fff (which most commonly stands for fortississimo). This is because dynamics deal with relative changes in volume as opposed to exact decibels – so fortissimo means very loud compared to the average volume of the song.

See pianissimo.

Also Known As: très fort (Fr), sehr laut (Ger)


Pronunciation: for-tee'-see-moe

Common Misspellings: fortissimmo