What is "terraced dynamics?"

Terraced dynamics refers to the practice in music, particularly during the Baroque period, where there are abrupt changes in volume rather than gradual ones. This means that the dynamics shift quickly from one level to another without the smooth transitions that characterize gradual dynamics. The term captures the essence of the style in which musical phrases would be played either loudly or softly, contrasting each other in a manner that creates distinct dynamic levels.

In a context where you might hear the similar terms, "gradual change in volume" represents a more modern concept of dynamics known as crescendo or decrescendo, which is about smoothly transitioning between dynamic levels. "Building up to a crescendo" implies a gradual increase leading to a peak, which also contrasts with the rapid shifts characteristic of terraced dynamics. Lastly, "maintaining a constant volume throughout" suggests stability in dynamics, which doesn’t align with the specifically contrasting nature of terraced dynamics, where various sections of music can dramatically differ in loudness.

Understanding terraced dynamics allows listeners to appreciate how composers from the Baroque era constructed their music and how such techniques add to the overall expression and structure of the pieces.