What is the meaning of "fortepiano"?

The term "fortepiano" refers to a musical directive indicating that a note or phrase should be played loudly and then immediately followed by a soft dynamic. This term is derived from Italian, with "forte" meaning loud and "piano" meaning soft. The concept emphasizes the contrast in dynamics, creating an expressive effect that indicates a sudden change in volume within the musical phrase. Understanding this term is essential for performers, as it guides how they interpret and convey the emotional intent of the music.

The other options do not accurately encapsulate the meaning of "fortepiano." "Very slow, solemn" relates more to terms like "lento" or "grave," while "playful and merry" could be described using "allegro" or "joviale." Lastly, "graceful" might align with terms such as "elegante" but doesn't connect to the dynamics indicated by "fortepiano." Thus, the selected answer captures the specific and dynamic nature of the term effectively.