What does "forte" mean in terms of dynamics?

The term "forte" indicates that music should be played loudly. In the context of dynamics within musical notation, "forte" is derived from Italian, and it is commonly used to instruct musicians to produce a strong, robust sound. This dynamic is an essential part of musical expression, allowing composers to convey emotions and intensity through varying levels of volume.

Understanding dynamics like "forte" helps musicians interpret the composer’s intentions more accurately, enhancing the overall performance. The other terms describe different aspects of music; for example, playing softly relates to "piano," while staccato refers to a style of playing notes in a detached manner, and playing smoothly connects with legato. These highlight various techniques but do not affect the volume in the same way "forte" does.