Which term means 'Sudden increase in loudness of the note(s)'?

• A. Forzando (fz)
• B. Tenuto
• C. rinforzando
• D. portato

Answer: (C)

A sudden increase in loudness on a note or group of notes is shown by a marking that calls for reinforced emphasis. Rinforzando literally means reinforcing the dynamic, so you push the volume up quickly on that note or chord, creating a clear moment of heightened intensity. This makes it the best fit for “sudden increase in loudness” because it directly signals a reinforcement of sound at that moment.

Tenuto indicates holding a note for its full value, sometimes with slight emphasis, but not a loudness spike. Portato is a lightly detached, gently emphasized articulation, not a sharp dynamic jump. Forzando (or sforzando) also marks a sudden accent, but rinforzando specifically conveys a reinforced emphasis, which aligns with the idea of a sudden increase in loudness.