Mezzo forte is a musical term that indicates the volume or dynamics of a piece of music. It is an Italian term that translates to “moderately loud” in English. In sheet music, it is often abbreviated as mf.
When a composer writes mezzo forte in a score, they are instructing the musician to play or sing the passage with a moderate level of loudness. This is louder than piano (soft) but not as loud as forte (loud).
Understanding dynamics like mezzo forte is crucial for musicians as it helps convey the emotional and expressive intent of the music. It allows performers to add depth and contrast to their interpretation, making the music more engaging and expressive.