Con sentimento

As Printed on a Score

Printed beside the dynamic or under the opening of a phrase; in bilingual editions it may sit beside its German equivalent, mit Empfindung. It lasts for the passage and gives way to the next character direction.

How Composers Use It

Con sentimento asks for heartfelt, sincere expression — feeling carried in tone and timing rather than displayed. It is gentler than con passione and less inward than con intimo sentimento. One pitfall: in English “sentimental” has a cheap ring the Italian lacks, so make sure players read it as sincerity, not indulgence. Pairing it with a restraint word such as semplice, or an unhurried tempo, keeps it honest.

Example

Mahler, Kindertotenlieder, “Oft denk’ ich, sie sind nur ausgegangen”, piano, opening: “con sentimento” beside the German “mit Empfindung”, under the heading “Ruhig bewegt, ohne zu eilen”.

Related Terms