[ConorMacNessa]

The prestississimo was not that difficult for me - our Conductor, Bob Schafer taught us a few tricks and we drilled until we got it right. What always gave me problems were the decrescendos and pianississimos. I agree with Fred Begun, tympanist for the National Symphony - he used to wear a t-shirt to rehearsal with the legend "Loud Is Good!"

America demands Justice for the Fallen of Benghazi!

O stranger, tell the Lacedaemonians that we lie here, obedient to their command.

Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. (Isaiah 49:1 KJV)

[Publius]

For many years, the Philadelphia Orchestra had a female timpanist who always timed her pregnancies to deliver during the off-season. It was said that every baby she bore came out with its hands over its ears.

[left that other site]

Vocally, pianissimos are the most difficult, as you must maintain resonance and tone quality while decreasing the volume.

Not “Whispering”. Not “falsetto”. Not “Breathiness”.

I tell my students to imagine a volume control (either a fader or a knob) inside their heads, and MENTALLY turn down the volume without affecting the quality of the tone.