To determine which abbreviation indicates medium loud—a little louder than [tex]$mp$[/tex] (mezzo-piano), and half as loud as forte (f), it's essential to understand the common musical dynamic markings:
1. [tex]$pp$[/tex] (pianissimo) - Very soft.
2. [tex]$p$[/tex] (piano) - Soft.
3. [tex]$mp$[/tex] (mezzo-piano) - Moderately soft.
4. [tex]$mf$[/tex] (mezzo-forte) - Moderately loud.
5. [tex]$f$[/tex] (forte) - Loud.
6. [tex]$ff$[/tex] (fortissimo) - Very loud.
In the context of these dynamics, we are looking for an abbreviation that fits the description of being slightly louder than [tex]$mp$[/tex] but not as loud as [tex]$f$[/tex]. The term that fits this description is [tex]$mf$[/tex] (mezzo-forte), which means moderately loud.
Hence, the abbreviation that indicates medium loud—a little louder than [tex]$mp$[/tex] and half as loud as forte—is:
E. [tex]$mf$[/tex]
