Bewegter

As Printed on a Score

Printed above the staff where the music gains momentum, often after a ritardando or at a new section; it holds until the next tempo word. Its partner going the other way is ruhiger or langsamer, and Tempo I usually undoes it.

How Composers Use It

The German più mosso, from bewegt (moving, animated): more motion, a little faster, with no implication of agitation. Schumann uses it to set off a contrasting section in his piano pieces. It is relative, so the amount depends on what precedes; add etwas for a smaller step.

Example

Schumann, Kreisleriana, Op. 16, No. 4, m. 12: “Bewegter”, at mf two bars after a ritardando, in a piece headed “Sehr langsam”.

Related Terms