NotePlayMusicGrade 2: Terms and Signs Practice
Practise five Italian terms and signs for expression, tempo, articulation and navigating a score.
Worksheet
Select the correct meaning of the term: molto
Answer: ______________________
Select the correct meaning of the sign:
Answer: ______________________
Select the correct meaning of the term: dal segno
Answer: ______________________
Select the correct meaning of the term: dolce
Answer: ______________________
Select the correct meaning of the term: Allegretto
Answer: ______________________
Answer Key
- very, much — 'Molto' means very or much; it intensifies another instruction.
- slightly separated — Dots under a slur can indicate portato: the notes are slightly separated or gently rearticulated within a phrase. The exact touch depends on the instrument and musical context.
- repeat from the sign — 'Dal segno' means return to the sign and continue from there.
- sweet — 'Dolce' means sweetly or gently; it describes the character of the performance.
- fairly quick — 'Allegretto' means fairly quick, generally less quick than allegro.
1. Select the correct meaning of the term: molto
💡 Think about what the word adds to another instruction, such as allegro, rather than treating it as a direction on its own.
2. Select the correct meaning of the sign:
💡 Consider the dots and the curved line together. How might both markings shape the notes rather than just one of them?
3. Select the correct meaning of the term: dal segno
💡 This marking gives a route through the score. Compare the named destination with the beginning and the end.
4. Select the correct meaning of the term: dolce
💡 Decide whether this word describes speed, the connection between notes, or the character of the sound.
5. Select the correct meaning of the term: Allegretto
💡 Compare this tempo marking with allegro, and distinguish a speed from a gradual change of speed.
What this practice covers
- Translate molto, dolce and Allegretto into performance instructions.
- Recognize dal segno and interpret dots under a slur in a portato example.
Need a reminder? Translate the marking into an action for the player
Molto intensifies another instruction: it means “very” or “much.” Dolce asks for a sweet, gentle manner. Allegretto is a fairly quick tempo, but usually less quick than Allegro. These words describe different aspects of performance.
Dal segno means go back to the sign and continue from there. Dots under a slur can indicate portato: play the notes slightly separated or gently rearticulated within a phrase. The exact touch depends on the instrument and context.
How to work it out
- Identify whether the marking controls tempo, character, articulation or the route through the score.
- Translate it into a specific action, then compare that action with each answer choice.
Worked example
A passage is marked dolce with dots under a slur. How should it be approached?
Play with a sweet character and slightly separated or gently rearticulated notes within the phrase. Neither mark by itself calls for a faster tempo; the touch depends on the instrument and context.
Watch for this mistake
A return sign changes where you play next, not how loud or fast the notes should be.