The <dynamics> element

Parent elements: <direction-type><notations>

Dynamics can be associated either with a note or a general musical direction. To avoid inconsistencies between and amongst the letter abbreviations for dynamics (what is sf vs. sfz, standing alone or with a trailing dynamic that is not always piano), we use the actual letters as the names of these dynamic elements. The other-dynamics element allows other dynamic marks that are not covered here. Dynamics elements may also be combined to create marks not covered by a single element, such as sfmp.

These letter dynamic symbols are separated from crescendo, decrescendo, and wedge indications. Dynamic representation is inconsistent in scores. Many things are assumed by the composer and left out, such as returns to original dynamics. The MusicXML format captures what is in the score, but does not try to be optimal for analysis or synthesis of dynamics.

The placement attribute is used when the dynamics are associated with a note. It is ignored when the dynamics are associated with a direction. In that case the direction element’s placement attribute is used instead.