Avec gravité

As Printed on a Score

Printed above the staff at the start of a piece or section, often directly under the tempo heading (Assez lent et bien mesuré, avec gravité); it governs the character of the passage until a new character word.

Also spelled: avec gravite

How Composers Use It

Avec gravité asks for seriousness and weight: steady, unhurried rhythm, full tone, nothing light or capricious. It is a character word rather than a tempo, so pair it with a slow or measured tempo, as Lili Boulanger does. It suits hymn-like, ceremonial or grieving music. Note that Italian grave in a tempo heading means very slow, while gravité in French names a manner.

Example

Boulanger, Clairières dans le ciel, “Je garde une médaille d’elle”, voice, m. 1: “avec gravité” at p, under the heading “Assez lent et bien mesuré”.

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